OHIO ACHIEVEMENT ASSESSMENT

Dear Parents:

It is that time again when students will be taking the Ohio Achievement Assessment. All students will be tested beginning Monday, April 30 – Thursday, May 3.

WHY IS THE TEST IMPORTANT

The district is held accountable by the state for test results.

Results can be used to help drive instruction in the classroom.

Individual results can be used to insure proper course placement for the following year.

Individual results can be used as a factor in determining appropriate grade level placement.

Test results are a reflection of our students.

WHAT HAS THE STAFF DONE TO PREPARE FOR TESTING

  • Placed all state content standards on their lesson plans each week so parents are aware of what is being addressed.
  • Incorporated writing assignments into classrooms similar to what students will see on the test.
  • Created new assessments modeled after state assessments.
  • Incorporated activities that were scored based on a state adopted rubric.
  • Incorporated StudyIsland into the courses as a way to review and reinforce material.
  • Given state practice review tests.
  • Remained positive with their students because they know the students will excel.

WHAT CAN THE STUDENTS DO TO HELP PREPARE

  • Make it a priority to be here ready for testing each day.
  • Relax. Be confident that their best efforts will be rewarded.
  • Be careful and use good test-taking skills.

WHAT CAN PARENTS DO TO HELP

  • Make sure students are in attendance each day.
  • Students are well rested.
  • Students eat a healthy and nutritious breakfast.
  • Remind students that they have worked hard this year and this hard work will be reflected in their scores.

Students are permitted (not required) to use a calculator on the math test. Because calculators are not a part of our everyday math curriculum, the school does not have a calculator for every student. If you would like for your child to have a calculator for the math Achievement Test, you may purchase one for your child from any store that sells them. Allowable calculators include most four-function and scientific calculators, including those with fraction capabilities. The following is a list of calculators that Ohio has labeled acceptable for use on the test:

This should not be considered a complete or exhaustive list of allowable calculators. There are additional models that are allowable.

Casio / Sharp / Texas
Instruments / Hewlett Packard / Other Calculators
HS-4G
HS-8V
SL-100L
SL-300VE
SL-450L
FX-55
FX-65
FX-250 series
FX-260
FX-115 series
FX-300 series / EL-240SB
EL-243SB
EL-376B
EL-500L
EL-520V
EL-531V / TI-503 SV
TI-1706 SV
TI-10
TI-15
TI-30X IIS
TI-30Xa
TI-34 II Explorer
TI-36X Solar
Math Mate / HP 9s
HP30s / Senario SC-121
(OGT calculator)

Prohibited Students may NOT use calculators with any of the following capabilities:

• Graphing calculators

• Calculators with certain equation solving functions and geometric

capabilities

• Calculators with QWERTY keyboards and word processing capabilities

Please keep in mind that calculators are permitted, not required. If you purchase one for your child, please have them bring it to school by Wednesday March 8th so that they can show it to their math teacher. If you have any questions, please contact your child’s math teacher.

Everyone has worked hard this year to provide many quality learning activities that will aid in giving our students every possible chance of being successful on these tests. We have great students, great teachers, and great parents. Those are the reasons our students will be successful on these upcoming tests.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my office at 667-8454.

Thank you,

Greg Southers

Principal

Tippecanoe Middle School