From the Desk of Ms. Ana Rivera
Academic Program Leader

SARCS ONLINE

The School Accountability Report Card for the 2009- 2010 school year is now available on the Internet.  To access, simply click on the link on our home page, S.A.R.C.

 

What are Standardized Test?

   Standardized tests are created to see how students from one school or class compare to other students across the city, the state, or the country.  They give educators a common standard to measure student performance.

 

   To measure fairly, these tests need to be given under the same conditions. The amount of time students have to finish the test is strictly controlled.  Each is scored in the same way—a student who answers 67 questions correctly gets the same score whether the test is taken in California or in Maine.

   Some tests measure students’ aptitude—their ability to learn.  They test a broad range of skills and abilities that can help students do well in school.  They might measure verbal ability or mechanical ability, for example.  Aptitude tests can help teachers plan instruction that is not too hard and not too easy.

 

   Other tests measure achievement—how much students have already learned.  They can be used to measure whether students have mastered the information presented in their math or science class.

 

Why and how are standardized tests used?

 

Testing can help the school:

·         Evaluate the school program

·         Report on a student’s progress

·         Diagnose a student’s strengths and weaknesses

·         Help identify a student’s interests and aptitudes

·         Design an instructional program to meet an individual student’s needs

·         Place a student in a class to meet special needs

 

Testing can help parents:

·         See how their child’s school achievement compares with other students locally and nationwide

·         Learn more about their child’s aptitudes in various areas

·         Learn more about their child’s interests in possible careers

 

Testing can help students:

·         Better understand their strengths and weaknesses

·         Consider possible options for further education

·         Think about career choices

 

Test results can tell us a lot. But no important decision should ever be based on the results of a single test. To accurately evaluate a student, your observations as a parent should be combined with those of teachers, other staff, your child and doctors or specialists.