NWEA Testing

Dear Parents,

In second grade, students are given the state tests called the NWEA. These tests helps educators pinpoint each child's individual ability level in math, reading and language arts.  The tests are taken at two times during the year (sometimes three) so that we are able to monitor student growth.

Students take the NWEA tests in the fall to give us a base score (where they are at). Then we, the teachers, give each student a target score or a goal score (where they should be at the end of the year).

The students and teachers have talked about setting goals already this year so once the test results are received we will be speaking to the children about how they did, where we'd like to see them be at the end of the year, and how we (the student, parent and teacher) plan to get them to that point. It is important to remember that some students may have a higher or lower base score than others.  Because we want to see growth in ALL students, each child will be given an individualized goal for spring that correlates to their fall test score.

In order to give us an individualized reading on each child's ability in math, reading and language arts, the NWEA tests are designed in a very unique manner. What is unique about these tests is that, for every student, the tests questions all begin at the same level of difficulty based on grade level but get progressively harder or easier in accordance to the child's answer choices. Which means, if the child is answering correctly the test will give them harder level questions to see how advanced they are. For children who are not answering correctly the test will automatically adjust the question difficulty to a slightly easier level to determine what  level they are at.

Our students are taking the NWEA tests during the afternoon this week (the week of August 22nd) and next week (the week of August 29th). It should take each student about three days to complete all three tests--afternoons only!  This is NOT a timed test, students have as long as they need to complete each of the three portions.

We know all the students will do great! As parents, please encourage your child and remind him or her to do their best on these tests! Please contact STRIDE with any questions or concerns regarding these tests. 

Best Wishes,

Mrs. Helmbrecht and Ms. Hull