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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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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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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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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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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.
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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.
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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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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
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PSAT Suite of Assessments
Exact Path
Help you child get on the right path to learning this school year.
Ohio Alternate Assessment Student Practice Portal for Students with Cognitive Disabilities
Ohio English Language Proficiency Practice Portal for English Language Learners
