Testing

Ability and Achievement Testing The district uses a variety of standardized tests to help measure students' abilities, achievement, and interests. If you would like more information about a specific test, contact your child's teacher, guidance counselor or principal. Testing of Student Ability to Learn Grades 4, 7--Cognitive Abilities Test Indicates what level of understanding and performance can be expected from the student. Testing How Well the Student Has Learned Grades 3-8--Iowa Test of Basic Skills Indicates how well the student has learned and progressed in vocabulary, reading, English, maps, reference materials, and math. Parents receive are port of the test scores each year. Keeping the reports from year to year will help parents observe the student's progress. Testing Vocational Interest Grades 6-12 The test results show how the student's interests relate to specific career areas. Students and guidance counselors use the results in planning course selections and in planning for specific careers. The test is given at the discretion of the guidance counselors. Testing Ability in Specific Skill Areas (Aptitude Tests) Grades 9-12 * Grade 9--Differential Aptitude Test Indicates strengths and weaknesses related to mechanical, clerical, and academic skills. * Grades 5,8--PA State Assessment Test Measures achievements in Reading and Math. * Grades 6,9--PA State Assessment Test Writing * Grade 10,11--Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT) Indicates where the student is academically strong and weak. College-bound students are urged to take this test. It is also the National Merit Scholarship qualifying test. (Voluntary, with fee charged.) * Grades 12--Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) Indicates where the student is academically strong and weak. College-bound students are urged to take this test. (Voluntary, with fee charged.) Grade 11,12--Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Indicates academic ability in five separate career areas. Especially helpful for students interested in the armed services or in trades or technologies (voluntary). Mid-Term and Final Exams Students are tested during and at the end of the school year. Final examinations are critical to a student's academic standing. Dates for those exams are noted in this calendar. Students may not miss mid-term and final exams. If a conflict arising out of a family emergency situation should occur, parents should notify the building principal at once. Failure to do so may result in the student's not being able to make up the exams missed.