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Parent Resources
Not sure what a test is or why your child is taking it? Click on a test name below to find out this information and more!
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AimsWebPLUS (AWP+)
What is this test?
The AimsWebPLUS+ platform is for students in grades K-3, and depending on which grade and which semester, contains several different reading and literacy assessments. The assessments themselves are a few minutes long, and are typically conducted in quiet, one-on-one interactions between student and educator. Most students that utilize AWP will take three to four measures in Fall, Winter, and Spring.
Why is my child taking this test?
CMSD uses the AimsWebPLUS+ assessments to fulfill part of Ohio’s Third Grade Reading Guarantee requirement. Performance on the different measures are predictive and used in forming Reading Improvement Plans when necessary to keep students on track.
Where can I get more information on this test?
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Alternate Assessment for Students with the most Significant Cognitive Disabilities (AASCD)
What is this test?
Ohio’s Alternate Assessment for Students with the most Significant Cognitive Disabilities (AASCD), or alternate assessment, is the federally required state assessment for students with the most significant cognitive disabilities. The alternate assessment is based on Ohio’s Learning Standards–Extended (OLS-E). It allows a very small population of students with the most significant cognitive disabilities to demonstrate their knowledge and skills on an appropriate assessment.
Why is my child taking this test?
State and federal laws require that all students participate in state and district tests. These laws apply to students with the most significant cognitive disabilities too. Students take either the general tests or alternate assessments. When all students participate in testing, it provides important information to the state and schools about how students are learning. The AASCD will be administered by grade level. Students in grades 3, 4, 6 and 7 will be assessed in English language arts and mathematics. Students in grades 5 and 8 will be assessed in English language arts, mathematics and science. Students taking the HS-AASCD will be assessed in English language arts, mathematics, science and social studies.
Where can I get more information on this test?
For more information about the AASCD, please visit the Ohio Department of Education website: https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Testing/Ohios-Alternate-Assessment-for-Students-with-Sign
To see examples of test questions, please visit the AASCD student practice site: https://oh-alt.portal.cambiumast.com/families.html
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Childhood Outcome Summary (COS)
What is this test?
The Early Childhood Outcome Summary is an observational assessment used with Pre-K Special Education students to evaluate age-appropriate behavior and development. Your child’s educator will gather all assessment data by observing your child and asking them questions. Pre-K children are expected to be measured in the COS upon starting and ending Pre-K.
Why is my child taking this test?
The Child Outcomes Summary measures: Preschool children with disabilities will reach or maintain a level commensurate with same-age peers and/or improve functioning level in three areas:
- Positive social-emotional skills including social relationships
- Acquisition and use of knowledge and skills including language, communication, and early literacy
- Use of appropriate behaviors to meet their needs
Where can I get more information on this test?
Information for, including the entirety of what’s measured directly on this assessment, is located here under header number seven.
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Early Learning Assessment (ELA)
What is this test?
The Early Learning Assessment is an observational, formative assessment where Pre-K educators observe their students in a variety of expected categories. Educators collect data for this assessment over time by watching your child interact with others and by asking questions in group and individual settings. Your child is observed for this assessment twice a year, in Fall and Spring.
Why is my child taking this test?
The ELA promotes structure to help teachers’ document, analyze and make instructional decisions. Teacher’s make instructional decisions based on the information they collect while observing children. The ELA has multiple purposes, including:
- Monitoring the growth and development of preschool-age children
- Providing teachers with the information to individualize learning
- Reporting data for the Federal Requirements, including the above, mandatory Early Childhood Outcomes
Where can I get more information on this test?
A specific Q&A document is provided by ODE to parents.
Further resources can be found here.
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Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA)
What is this test?
The Kindergarten Readiness Assessment is an observational / interactive assessment where your child’s educator will ask them questions or observe your child interacting with other students and record responses. It covers social skills, mathematics, literacy, and motor skills, and is only required for first-time kindergarten students in the Fall.
Why is my child taking this test?
The Kindergarten Readiness Assessment is used to assess four areas of early learning:
- Social Foundations- including social and emotional development, and approaches toward learning
- Mathematics
- Language and Literacy
- Physical Well-being and Motor Development
The Language and Literacy portion of the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment Revised is used to meet the reading diagnostic assessment requirement of the Third Grade Reading Guarantee for CMSD students.
Where can I get more information on this test?
ODE produced a video specifically to explain the KRA-R to parents.
More resources can also be found on the ODE website.
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Measure of Academic Progress (NWEA)
What is this test?
The MAP Growth assessment from NWEA is a computer-based test that CMSD students in grades 1 to 10 take three times each school year in reading and math. This test is adaptive, meaning each new question changes based on your child’s previous answer. The result is a score that identifies what each student knows and what they are ready to learn next.
Why is my child taking this test?
MAP stands for Measure of Academic Progress, which is the reason for your child to take this test multiple times each year – to measure the growth in learning your child achieves with additional weeks of class time. CMSD Educators use MAP Growth to track progress and to adjust the learning experience based on these results as well as classroom work.
Students in Grade 3 can use their MAP Growth Reading score as well as their Ohio’s State Test (OST) ELA score for promotion to the fourth grade in keeping with the Third Grade Reading Guarantee.
Where can I get more information on this test?
Video for grade 2 and above students.
Student practice site (both the username and password are ‘grow’)
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Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test 3 (NNAT3)
What is this test?
The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test 3 is a 30-minute, nonverbal measure of general ability that is administered online to students. NNAT3 measures general ability using abstract designs. Because the NNAT3 items consist of geometric shapes that are universal and have no verbal content, the directions are pictorial with minimal verbal instructions.
Why is my child taking this test?
The NNAT3 has two primary uses. The first is to help in the identification of gifted and talented students, especially those from under-represented groups. The second use is to provide a measure of general ability for students of all ability levels for whom a language-free assessment is required
Where can I get more information on this test?
FAQ for the NNAT3 - pdf
Sample questions for the NNAT3.
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Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment (OELPA)
What is this test?
The Ohio English Language Proficiency Assessment (OELPA) is the state summative online test of English language used to meet the federal requirement of an annual assessment of proficiency composed of four tests which together measure a student’s English skills in four language domains: listening, reading, writing, and speaking. The OELPA was developed through a federal Enhanced Assessment Grant by the English Language Proficiency Assessment for the 21st Century.
Why is my child taking this test?
Districts are required to administer the OELPA annually to all students identified as English learners. English learners are identified through the Ohio English Language Proficiency Screener (OELPS). Students from grades Kindergarten through grade 12 take the OELPA.
Where can I get more information on this test?
More detailed information is available at https://bit.ly/3Rh8cLh, the Ohio Department of Education website.
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Ohio State Test (OST)
What is this test?
Ohio’s State Tests (OST) are computer-based tests given to students in grades 3-8 and high school. Each spring, students in grades 3-8 take grade-level math and English language arts (ELA); 5th and 8th grade students also take grade-level science. Once your child enters high school, they will take the following tests the year they are taking the applicable class: Algebra I; American Government; American History; Biology; ELA II; and Geometry. In the fall, 3rd grade students take the ELA in keeping with the Third Grade Reading Guarantee. In the winter, high school students who need to retake a test to get a better score and students who are taking a block course will take applicable tests.
Why is my child taking this test?
Students in grades 3-8 take the OST for insights into how well they absorbed grade-level learning standards. This information is used to help determine the best supports needed for future learning. In accordance with the Third Grade Reading Guarantee, for students in grade 3, promotion to fourth grade is dependent upon the reading score they receive in the ELA test. Students in high school take OST tests as part of the graduation requirements for a diploma.
Where can I get more information on this test?
Visit the Ohio Department of Education site.
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Physical Education (PE) Evaluation
What is this test?
The Physical Education (PE) Evaluation is required by Ohio state law to be given to all students at least once in each of the following grade bands: K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. The evaluations are designed to be incorporated within physical education lessons and one part of the law is to use these assessments to measure the success of each student in meeting the Ohio Physical Education Academic Content Standards. In addition to monitoring physical capabilities, your child’s PE Teacher is monitoring many important life skills including:
- Personal Responsibility
- Working with Others
- Self-Direction
- Respect for Others
- and Resolving Conflict
Why is my child taking this test?
The PE Evaluation is required by Ohio state law and is tied to funding for school districts and community schools. It is used by your child’s PE Teachers to monitor their growth and progress over time.
Where can I get more information on this test?
For further information, please visit the Ohio Department of Education website: https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Learning-in-Ohio/Physical-Education
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SAT Suite of Assessments (SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, PSAT 8/9)
What are these tests?
The SAT Suite of Assessments is an integrated system of tests including the SAT, PSAT/NMSQT, and PSAT 8/9.
What is my child taking these tests?
PSAT 8/9 – Given to 9th grade students for them to get early feedback on their knowledge in the areas that matter most for college and career readiness. This test is also a preliminary test that helps students to practice for the PSAT/NMSQT, which also leads into practice for the SAT. This test is given to 9th graders only in October. This test is only an online test. Please visit this site for further information: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-8-9/whats-on-the-test
PSAT/NMSQT – Given to students in 10th and 11th grade, the PSAT/NMSQT can qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship Program and other scholarships used when planning to attend college. This is a preliminary test that helps students practice for the SAT and assess their academic skills. Juniors who score well on the test are also eligible for scholarship opportunities. It is very important for parents of college-bound students to make sure they are aware of the test dates and that their child is ready and in attendance to take this test in October. This test is only a paper only test and NOT available online. Please visit this site for more information: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/psat-nmsqt/scholarships-recognition
SAT – Many juniors (11th graders) take the SAT in the spring so they can get a head start on planning for college. It is very important for parents of college-bound students to make sure they are aware of the test dates and that their child is ready and in attendance to take this test in March. This test is an online administration. Visit these sites for further information and to start practicing for the test in the Spring: https://www.khanacademy.org/sat and https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/sat/practice-preparation/practice-tests
My child is on an IEP/504, is my child eligible to take this test with the accommodations provided them in his/her school setting?
Yes, students on IEP/504 Plans are encouraged to and provided the opportunity by the district to take these tests as well, just like their peers. CMSD encourages the parents of these students to get involved with the school counselors and classroom teachers to find out about these tests. Also, we encourage parents to visit the College Board site below. If you have questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school in advance of the October testing for 9-11 graders. The intervention specialist(s) assigned to your child during daily instructions are the ones that are to make the request for accommodations. Be sure to speak to your child’s teacher/intervention specialist, and counselor as soon as possible. The earlier the better, as it takes about 7 weeks for approvals to occur. Please do not contact College Board directly, as they will only refer you back to your child’s school. Please visit this site for further information: https://accommodations.collegeboard.org/support/advice-students-families
My child is an English Language (EL) learner, is my child eligible to take this test with the accommodations provided them in his/her school setting?
Yes, your child can take these tests. It is encouraged for your child to participate as well as other students enrolled in their school buildings. Be sure to speak to your child’s teacher, counselor, and/or intervention specialist as soon as possible. The earlier the better, as it takes about 7 weeks for approvals to occur. Please do not contact College Board directly, as they will only refer you back to your child’s school.
College Board offers testing supports for English learners (EL), including these (1) Translated test directions, (2) Use of bilingual word-to-word dictionaries, and/or (3) 50% extended testing time. EL students who use supports during SAT School Day will receive scores they can send to colleges.
Students who meet the following criteria at the time of testing can use EL supports: (1) They're enrolled in a secondary school in the U.S. or U.S. territories, (2) They're an English learner as defined by their state or by federal policy, and (3) They use the same supports in class or for other assessments.
Where can I get more information on these tests?
Visit the College Board sites:
https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/help-center/students
https://parents.collegeboard.org/webinars
https://accommodations.collegeboard.org/request-accommodations/how-students-can-practice
https://parents.collegeboard.org/faq
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WorkKeys
What is this test?
WorkKeys is an industry-recognized, application-based assessment used to measure work readiness and can be used to satisfy components of Ohio’s graduation requirements. State law provides each student in Ohio the opportunity to take the WorkKeys test one time while in high school. The test has three sections: Applied Math, Graphic Literacy, and Workplace Documents. Students who pass these sections with a combined score of 14 or more earn the National Career Readiness Certificate™ (NCRC®) – a nationally recognized credential. Most tests are web-based and take one hour.
Why is my child taking this test?
Part of the Ohio high school graduation requirements includes students demonstrating competency. This can be accomplished by scoring a 684 or better on the Ohio’s State Tests in Algebra I and English Language Arts II. An alternative to demonstrate competency is earning an industry credential for those students who plan to go straight to the workplace after graduation. WorkKeys is a supporting career-focused activity which, when combined with an industry credential or approved apprenticeship, qualifies students to meet the competency graduation requirement.
Where can I get more information on this test?
For more information, visit the Ohio Department of Education website on graduation requirements: https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Ohio-s-Graduation-Requirements
To learn more about the WorkKeys assessment and practice items, visit this site: https://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/workkeys-for-job-seekers/preparation.html
