Students Need to Bring the Following to the Testing Room

On Tuesday, April 12 and Wednesday, April 13, juniors will take the Smarter Balanced assessment (Math and English) and the Dakota STEP Achievement Test (Science) mandated by the state of South Dakota.

The Smarter Balanced assessments are a key part of implementing the Common Core State Standards and preparing all students for success in college and careers. The Smarter Balanced Assessment System will provide an academic checkup by measuring students’ real-world skills, such as critical thinking and problem solving.

The Dakota STEP test is a criterion-referenced (specific subject areas) test that is based upon our South Dakota state curriculum standards in science. Students achieve in one of four areas on the test: Advanced, Proficient, Basic, and Below Basic. It is the goal of the state, the district, and our school to have all of our students achieving at the Proficient Level or above.

Juniors will report to their assigned testing area at 8:00 am on April 12 and 13. Students will be released from testing at approximately 1:00 pm on both days. A snack will be provided during each testing session. Students will resume regularly scheduled classes on Thursday, April 14.

Students need to bring the following to the testing room:

·  Student ID

·  Scratch paper

·  Writing Utensil

·  Headphones (if students do not have their own, a pair will be supplied for them)

·  Book or magazine to read at the conclusion of each testing session

If students are absent during testing, they will have to make up the test at a later time.

*Cell phones and other electronic communicating devices will not be allowed in testing rooms.