What is this “CRT” Stuff?

1. What is this “CRT” Stuff? • CRT stands for Criterion Referenced Test. • NCLB (No Child Left Behind) mandates each State conduct CRTs • CRTs measure how well our students demonstrate mastery of skills or standards. • In Oklahoma, those standards are called the PASS (Priority Academic Student Skills) and our CRTs are called the OCCTs (Oklahoma Core Curriculum Tests). • OCCTs are given to all 3rd-8th graders in Okla. • At Wilson, that means we are tested in Reading & Math in 3rd, 4th, & 5th grades. Additionally, 5th grade is tested in Writing, Social Studies, & Science!

2. So What??? • These results become part of your child’s permanent record! • Your child's performance on this test contributes to our school results, which will help determine whether or not Wilson is meeting the standards of NCLB. • Our results are compared to others in OKC, Oklahoma, the U.S., and around the world! • Results are also used to allocate funding for areas in need of improvement. • We use the results on a classroom level to determine the effectiveness of teaching strategies.

3. What Can Parents Do? • Monitor “Item Specifications” or Practice Tests. • Keep a positive attitude about tests. • Mark down test days on your calendar so you and your child are both aware of testing dates. • Make sure students arrive on time during testing (February 21-22 & April 16-24, 2012). • Provide good meals (dinner the night before & breakfast the morning of) that avoid excessive sweets and balance the food groups. • Ensure children get a good night’s sleep (8-10 hours) each night! • Students may experience anxiety about tests and may experience heightened anxiety before a testing situation.

4. What Else Can Parents Do? • A certain degree of test anxiety is normal and may help students prepare more effectively, work more efficiently, and remain focused during testing. • Too much anxiety, however, can negatively affect performance. While we want to encourage students to take these tests seriously and do their best, we do not want them to worry. • The best way to help your child is to discuss his/her feelings (do you feel ready for the test? Is there a certain area you'd like extra help with? etc.).

5. What Can Students Do? Before The Tests • Work through “Item Specifications” or Practice Tests. • Keep a positive attitude about tests. • Mark down test days on your calendar so you and your family are both aware of testing dates. • Make sure you arrive on time during testing (February 21-22 & April 16-24, 2012). • Eat good meals (dinner the night before & breakfast the morning of) that avoid excessive sweets and balance the food groups. • Get a good night’s sleep (8-10 hours) each night! • Solve family/friend problems before the testing date. Student Strategies for Reducing Test Anxiety• Share your feelings of anxiety with parents and teachers.• Think of the test as an opportunity to show what you know.• Review homework & materials which pertain to the test topics.• Relax, breathe deeply and stay focused on the test.

6. What Can Students Do? During Tests• Pay careful attention to all directions.• Read each passage and accompanying questions.• Read every possible answer--the best one could be last.• Read & respond to items one at a time (rather than thinking about the whole test).• Reread the parts of a passage needed for selecting the correct answer.• Don't expect to find a pattern in the positions of the correct answers.• Don't make uneducated guesses. Try to get the correct answer by reasoning and eliminating wrong answers. (1 Obviously Wrong, 1 Distracter, 2 Similar) • Don't spend too much time on any one question.• Skip difficult questions until all other questions have been answered.• Make sure to record the answer in the correct place on the answer sheet.• Only change an answer if you are sure the first one you picked was wrong. Be sure to completely erase changed answers.• Work as rapidly as possible with accuracy.• After completion of the test, use any remaining time to check your answers.• Keep a good attitude. Think positively!

7. What Else Can Students Do? • Find key words or phrases in the question that will help you choose the correct answer. • If the test requires you to read passages and then answer questions about what you read, read the questions first. • By doing this, you will know what you are looking for as you read. This also helps you go faster on the test. • When there are several questions about a reading passage or chart, look for clues in other questions that will help you with those items about which you are unsure. • If your arm tires during testing it is probably due to the grip that you have on your pencil. Relax the grip and give those muscles a break. • Do not do arm exercises during testing as this disturbs others. • Remember it's okay not to know everything — unlike class tests, these tests will have some questions designed to challenge the limits of your knowledge at a grade level above your current grade.

8. I know it’s NOT “c” Tips on answering multiple choice questions • Read the question before you look at the answer. • Come up with the answer in your head before looking at the possible answers, this way the choices given on the test won't throw you off or trick you. • Eliminate answers you know aren't right. • Don't keep on changing your answer, usually your first choice is the right one. • In "All of the above" and "None of the above" choices, if you are certain one of the statements is true don't choose "None of the above" or one of the statements are false don't choose "All of the above". • In a question with an "All of the above" choice, if you see that at least two correct statements, then "All of the above" is probably the answer. • A positive choice is more likely to be true than a negative one. • Usually the correct answer is the choice with the most information. • Decide exactly what the question is asking; one response is clearly best.

9. What Will Wilson Do? • Teach tested skills throughout the year. • Provide the best learning & testing environment possible. • Provide snacks, bottled water, & juice on testing days. • Administer tests & provide test monitors. • Report results once they are obtained.