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Testing at Pleasant Hill
Principal’s Message
Dear Pleasant Hill Parents and Guardians,
Late January through April marks schools’ biggest push for
data collection during the course of the year. The multitude of tests
and assessments that we have students take is incredibly valuable to the
teachers because it provides us with data critical in making
instructional decisions. However, it can be a bit confusing for kids,
parents, and staff. What does this test measure? Who takes this test?
Why are we giving this test in the first place? In an effort to
understand the testing season, I’ve created the chart on the following
chart.
We all want the kids to do well on these tests, so what can you do to help? First, don't be overly anxious about test scores, but encourage your child to take tests seriously. No one was ever rejected from Harvard based on their third grade, spring MAP score. Plus, one of the nice things that we do as a district is that most, not all, decisions involving data are based on triangulation; the idea of using three pieces of data to drive decision making rather than just a single data point. Therefore, the importance of any one test is greatly diminished.
Another way you can help is make sure your child is
well rested and well-fed. It’s amazing how much better kids do on
assessments when they’ve had breakfast and a good night’s sleep.
However, don’t go nuts. A breakfast of Eggs Benedict, smoked salmon, and
fresh fruit cocktail the day of an assessment won’t guarantee better
results. Nor will sending them to bed at 6:00 the night before a test.
Ultimately just be consistent. If you think
your child isn’t getting enough sleep, or doesn’t eat breakfast, start
implementing changes now rather than right before the test.
Last but not least, make sure that your child does their homework. The teachers do NOT teach to these tests, rather they teach to the standards that these tests monitor. Thus, classroom work and homework assignments throughout the entire year, not just January through April’s work, provide an opportunity for students to develop the skills that will enable them to do their best on the assessments. Pleasant Hill is a school that historically does very well on standardized testing. I imagine that the pride that we take in this high level of achievement will only be enhanced by a better understanding of what the tests measure and what the results truly mean.
Sincerely,
Matthew Palcer, Principal
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