NIMS 2010 Mini-ISAT/NAEP
Information & Directions
The folders on the NIMS webpage include the specific pretest for your selected grade level and subject area.
You will see a link for:
5th Grade Math, 6th Grade Math, 7th Grade Math, 8th Grade Math, 4th Grade Science, and 7th Grade Science
Directions for the tests:
You will see a title on each test document, but specific directions have been intentionally left off since each teacher might do things a bit differently. For example, some may have the students record all answers on a scantron where others may have the students circle the answer on the test document itself. The formatting of the tests follow the same setup as ISAT…the question numbers typically go down the page and not left to right, please make sure to emphasize this to your students so they can take their time to mark the correct question if they are using a scantron or separate answer sheet. The document title includes “Version #” – this refers to the grade level. The grade level was intentionally left out as well – hopefully, this eliminates any questions from the students about why they are taking a certain grade level’s test…especially if it doesn’t match their grade level exactly.
Math:
Each math test includes ISAT questions for that specific grade level. In addition to the ISAT, NAEP questions have also been included (NAEP is the National Assessment of Educational Progress). Geometry and measurement content is the focus for all questions on the math tests.
Science:
If you plan to administer the science test, select the best grade level that fits for your grade level. It’s recommended for grades 3-5 to take the 4th grade and 6-9th to take the 7th grade test. Physical Science and technological design is the focus for all questions on the science tests.
Answer Keys:
Answer keys will be posted on the NIMS webpage in the corresponding grade/subject test folder. If you need a key before they are posted, please email Amy at nd ask her for the subject and grade level you need.
Timeline: You should give the mini-isat pre-test early in the school year. You should give the mini-isat post-test (same as pre-test) in the Spring term, probably while preparing for the actual ISAT, so maybe February or March. Once you have administered both tests, use the posted keys to score the pre & post tests and record your results as indicated in the recording sheets. Then, post your completed recording sheets to the wiki by the end of April 2011.
Data Reporting Charts:
Each grade level folder will also include the data chart to record your student scores. You will mark a “0” for a question that was answered incorrectly and a “1” for a correct answer.
Please list your students’ names in the appropriate column. It is also important to assign each student a number – you will see a second column for these numbers. Student #1, 2, 3, etc. will be fine. When you post the data to us, please only include the student number and not student names.
If you have any questions about the testing and reporting procedures and/or documents, please contact Amy. Thanks!