PARCC TESTING

Dear CLA families,

This email is to remind you that we will be administering the Performance Based Assessments (PBAs), part of the new Next Generation Assessments, as required by state law, to all students beginning on Thursday, March 5.  As an Expeditionary Learning school, we focus on critical thinking, problem solving, and writing, and that is what the new tests focus on as well.  The tests are rigorous, but we have spent the year using Common Core curriculum and then specifically using the test format during the last few months.  Your CLA scholars should feel confident as they complete this series of PBAs – they should feel very familiar to them!

The importance of these assessments is paramount.  The results of these assessments allow the state to monitor the academic performance of our students, and they are also a component of what we use to determine the appropriate academic grade level placement for our scholars.

There are several things that you can do at home to support your child throughout the testing week(s): First, make sure your child is getting enough sleep at night.  Set an early bedtime and plan to wake up 15 minutes earlier than normal. Second, make sure your child arrives at school between 7:15-7:40 a.m. to eat breakfast. All students need to arrive at school prior to 7:40 to prepare for each test. Third, help your child study key concepts and vocabulary that are included in their lessons this week and next week.  Fourth, review test-taking strategies with your child that will help him or her to be successful on the assessment.  These strategies have been taught and reviewed throughout the first part of the year with your child.
Please be aware that once testing has started, students may not leave the testing room until the test is completed.  Please make appropriate arrangements to ensure that no appointments are made prior to dismissal. In order to ensure both students and teachers maintain the stamina for the duration of the high-stakes testing days, we are asking that you arrange for early pick-up at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 11.
The schedule of assessments is below:

Social Studies/Science – Thursday, March 5

6th Grade	Social Studies – 8:30 start (75 minutes)
8th Grade	Science – 9:00 start (75 minutes)

 

English and Math (PARCC)

	Monday, March 9	Tuesday, March 10	Wednesday, March 11	Thursday, March 12	Friday, March 13
6th Grade	English Task 1 – 8:30 start (75 minutes)	Math Task 1 – 8:30 start (80 minutes)	English Task 2 – 8:30 start (90 minutes)	Math Task 2 – 8:30 start (70 minutes)	English Task 3 – 8:30 start (60 minutes)
7th Grade	English Task 1 – 8:45 start (75 minutes)	Math Task 1 – 8:45 start (80 minutes)	English Task 2 – 8:45 start (90 minutes)	Math Task 2 – 8:45 start (70 minutes)	English Task 3 – 8:45 start (60 minutes)
8th Grade	English Task 1 – 9:00 start (75 minutes)	Math Task 1 – 9:00 start (80 minutes)	English Task 2 – 9:00 start (90 minutes)	Math Task 2 – 9:00 start (70 minutes)	English Task 3 – 9:00 start (60 minutes)

 

In addition to pushing students intrinsically, we know that it is important to recognize them extrinsically as well. Attached, please find the 2015 incentive plan for the students.
Thank you for working with CLA and for your continued support in advancing the academic achievement of our scholars.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call.