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New ninth-graders will begin high schools’ transition to Ohio State Tests in English Language Arts I and II, Algebra I, geometry, science, American government and American history. Upper grades will continue to take the Ohio Graduation Tests until those are phased out.
Weather delays first tests until next week
CMSD NEWS BUREAU
2/19/2015
Due to this week's weather-related closings, CMSD students will not begin taking state assessments until Monday.
Students and families have been busily preparing for this testing season, which will usher in changes in how the state and District measure proficiency.
Students in the third through eighth grades will take the new Ohio State Tests in, depending on the grade, English language arts, mathematics, social studies and science. There is one exception: Third-graders will continue to take the Ohio Achievement Assessment in reading, which will determine whether they comply with Ohio’s Third Grade Guarantee and earn promotion to fourth grade.
New ninth-graders will begin high schools’ transition to Ohio State Tests in English Language Arts I and II, Algebra I, geometry, science, American government and American history. Upper grades will continue to take the Ohio Graduation Tests until those are phased out.
The new State Tests consist of two parts that yield a single score: “performance-based assessments,” administered when instruction is three-fourths complete, and “end of course” exams in select subjects, given closer to the end of the school year.
The performance-based assessments will require students to solve “extended response,” or multiple-part questions. The tests are to be more computer based, but for now, some, mostly in the earliest grades, will be completed on paper.
English language arts and math tests are based on the new Common Core State Standards, designed to foster critical thinking and better prepare students for college and careers. Ohio is one of 43 states to adopt the standards. The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, comprising Ohio and 12 other states, developed the ELA and math tests.
The high school tests can help meet new graduation requirements that also take effect with this year’s ninth-graders.
Students in the Class of 2018 must earn 22 course credits and satisfy one of three other requirements: accumulate 18 points on the state exams, score high enough on a test of college readiness that they don’t need remediation or earn industry credentials in career-technical education and pass an academic work readiness test.
The performance-based assessments will require students to solve “extended response,” or multiple-part questions. The tests are to be more computer based, but for now, some, mostly in the earliest grades, will be completed on paper.
English language arts and math tests are based on the new Common Core State Standards, designed to foster critical thinking and better prepare students for college and careers. Ohio is one of 43 states to adopt the standards. The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, comprising Ohio and 12 other states, developed the ELA and math tests.
The high school tests can help meet new graduation requirements that also take effect with this year’s ninth-graders.
Students in the Class of 2018 must earn 22 course credits and satisfy one of three other requirements: accumulate 18 points on the state exams, score high enough on a test of college readiness that they don’t need remediation or earn industry credentials in career-technical education and pass an academic work readiness test.
Watch a video that explains Ohio's new high school options.
CMSD schools have hosted informational meetings to prepare families for the new tests. Some schools have also conducted “boot camps” that let students practice on the kinds of questions they might face.
CMSD schools have hosted informational meetings to prepare families for the new tests. Some schools have also conducted “boot camps” that let students practice on the kinds of questions they might face.
