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Testing at 308

District 308 schools are committed to educating students to their highest level of academic performance. One way the school district supports sound decision-making for school improvement as well as planning for the needs of individual students is through the collection and analysis of test data.

NWEA MAP Testing: 
2012-13 Testing Dates 
Parent ToolKit
Proctor Handbook
Student Powerpoint

Philosophy of Testing

The district expects all assessments to provide accurate information about student achievement. Each assessment must meet the standards of quality.

The standards of quality are:

• Assessment must arise from a clearly articulated set of achievement expectations

• (Illinois State Standards, Benchmarks, and Descriptors).

• Serve an instructionally relevant purpose.

• Rely on proper assessment method (selected response, essay, performance, personal communication).

• Sample student achievement in an appropriate manner.

• Control for all relevant sources of bias and distortions that can lead to inaccurate assessment.

Any assessments that cannot be specifically linked to student academic well being through effective decision making or instruction should be discarded.

All assessments will be linked to specific instructional uses and thus to student academic well being. Two types of uses are considered appropriate:

1. Assessment as a soure of information for decision making

2. Assessment for the purpose of promoting higher levels of student achievement.

There are several levels of decision making and decision makers that are considered important to student academic well being:

• Classroom level (students, teachers, and parents)

• Instructional support level (principals, curriculum coordinators, support teachers, and guidance personnel).

• Policy level (superintendent, school board, citizens, and tax payers)

The district will allocate assessment resources and devise assessment, evaluation, and communication programs to meet the information needs of all users.

What is the purpose of testing?

For Students and Parents…
Assessments help us track student’s individual progress and allows us to build on strengths and helps us develop weaknesses.

For Teachers…
Assessments provide useful information for instructional grouping of students, differentiation of instruction, developing mastery, and allows them to reflect on the effectiveness of their curriculum.

For Administrators…
Assessments provides useful information about curricular gaps, professional development needs, and goals for improvements.

How can I help prepare my child for these assessments?

• Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep the night before testing;

• Providing breakfast on the morning of testing;

• Reminding your child to ask the teacher questions if he/she does not

• understand the directions;

• Letting your child know that you have confidence in his/her ability to

• do their best;

• Advising your child not to worry about the test- just do the best he/she can.