Measurements of Student Progress - Grades 6, 7 and 8
Measurements of Student Progress - Grades 6, 7 and 8
April Newsletter
This spring, our students in grades 6-8 will take the Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) state exams. These assessments are designed to measure proficiency in the state learning goals that we incorporate into our own learning targets.
The MSP uses multiple-choice, completion and short-answer questions for tests of reading, math and science. Writing is measured with two extended writing tasks. Sixth grade students test in reading and math. Seventh grade students test in reading, writing and math. Eighth grade students test in reading, math, and science.
Online Testing – Our school district is in the third year of a five-year plan to move to online testing, as required by the state. Converting to online testing saves time and resources by significantly reducing the need to print, ship and score nearly two million test booklets statewide. A survey of Washington students in 2010 indicated that 82% of students preferred taking the test online compared to testing in paper booklets.
At our school, students in _______ grade will take the _______ MSP online this spring. The online version of the MSP is the same exam that students take on paper, just delivered in a different manner. We will provide multiple opportunities for students taking the MSP online to become familiar with the software before taking the actual exam. You may wish to view a video demonstration of testing software at www.k12.wa.us/Assessment/StateTesting/OnlineTesting.aspx.
End of Course Exams – Last year, the state replaced the high school math exam with end-of-course exams in Algebra I and Geometry. Because the end-of-course (EOC) exams are required for all students who are enrolled in Algebra I or Geometry, many middle school students will also take an EOC math exam this spring. The EOC exams are taken in paper booklets and given near the end of the semester in June. Passing the EOC exams in middle school will count toward meeting their high school graduation requirements.
Results - Teachers and parents find that state exam results, combined with performance on other assessments, help track a student’s academic proficiency over time. Our school and district staff use state assessment results as one indicator of program strengths and weaknesses. Results of the MSP are available in the fall.
Students are not required to meet grade level standards on the MSP, but it is important they do their best to give parents and teachers an accurate check on their progress. Parents can do a great deal to make certain their children are prepared to take the MSP. This includes helping children understand the purpose of the tests, making sure they are well rested and have a good breakfast before coming to school.
We will share the exact dates and times of your child’s testing in our ____________ [or include a copy of your school's testing schedule]. If you have additional questions about the MSP, its scoring, or the administration of this exam, you may find Your Child's Progress, available at www.k12.wa.us/resources/, useful at this time. Feel free to contact ________________ for information about our state's student assessments.
