NOTES FROM GUIDANCE AND ADMINISTRATION

 

                                                                                               

                                                                                                April 28, 2008

 

Dear Parents/Guardians:

 

            Our second MCAS testing period is approaching.  We will be testing Mathematics Grades 6 through 8, Science Grade 8, and History/Social Studies Grade 7, May 12, 2008, through May 22, 2008, with make-up periods Friday, May 16th, and Friday, May 23rd through Thursday, May 29th.  Please note testing schedules on Pages 2 and 3 of this packet – more grade/date specific information.

 

            Your continued efforts and support of your child through this challenge is expected and appreciated.  I hope that you have and continue to take advantage of the opportunity to access the MCAS Challenge Questions that have been provided by our teachers on our web-site to assist you in practicing with your child, as well as develop a better understanding of the expectations and challenges your child is experiencing.  You may also access the Department of Education MCAS web-site www.doe.mass.edu/mcas to view questions and sample student responses to assist you with this.

 

            Other things you can do to help your child through this stressful time:

 

o       Relax and help your child relax.  Few people enjoy taking tests, however, MCAS does provide us with very useful information about how your child is progressing and what we can do to help your child progress.

 

o       Understand that MCAS testing at the middle school level is not the end of the road.  We understand that these can be very stressful times for parents and students regardless of what grade they are in.  Our goal is to identify and address what your child may need to be successful in the tenth grade when the stakes are at their highest.

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact guidance or

administration at 508-675-0116.

 

                                                                                                Sincerely,

 

 

                                                                                                Robert G. Monteiro

                                                                                                Principal

Enclosures

 

           

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

                               

                                                                                                                               

 

 

 

1.  Testing Periods:                                                                                            

     Monday, May 12th          -  Grade 6 Math

     Tuesday, May 13th          -  Grade 8 Math, Grade 7 Math

     Wednesday, May 14th    -  Grade 6 Math

     Thursday, May 15th        -  Grade 8 Math, Grade 7 Math

     Friday, May 16th              -  Makeups

     Monday, May 19th          -  Grade 8 Science

     Tuesday, May 20th          -  Grade 8 Science

     Wednesday, May 21st    -  Grade 7 History

     Thursday, May 22nd        -  Grade 7 History

     *Friday May 23rd through Thursday, May 29th  -  Makeups

                                                                                                                               

2.  No visitors (including but not limited to parents, guardians, media, and any school personnel not specifically

     designated as MCAS test administrators, including teachers, counselors, and teachers’ aides) are allowed to have

     contact with students during any MCAS test session or make-up session.

 

3.  Test sessions are expected to be completed on the day it began.  Exception to rule:  If a student has begun a test,

     and he or she becomes ill, a make-up session is scheduled to complete only those question left unanswered.

 

     Please reschedule dentist, doctor appointments.  Do not use any MCAC testing dates as vacation days.  It

     is  your responsibility as a parent to insure your child is in school during this time.  Every student must be

     tested.

 

4.  Children will need plenty of rest (early evenings).

 

5.  Have your children get a good night’s sleep before the test.  If they have a restless night, don’t worry, it’s normal.

 

6.  Remind them to read each question carefully.  The biggest mistake students make on standardized tests is rushing

     and misunderstanding questions.

 

7.  Suggest they do the sections that are easiest first.  Revisit difficult questions later.

 

8.  If they skip questions, tell them to keep careful track of their answers and double check their numbers before

     filling  in ovals.

 

9.  Suggest that they eliminate wrong answers to increase chances of finding the right one.  Tell them to use common

     sense.

 

10.Students can take breaks during the test, resting for a couple of minutes now and then.

 

11.Encourage them to relax, but pace themselves.  When the test begins, make sure they know how much time they have.

 

12.Tell them to leave no question blank.  Have them fill in their best guess or write at least one complete sentence.

 

13.Explain to your child to concentrate on neatness.  Tests are scored by machines that could count stray marks as

     incorrect answers.

 

14.Give careful attention to words of encouragement and support during this testing.  Use the power of positive

     thinking.   A child who feels they can usually is very successful in the outcome. 

 

Sources:  The Princeton Review “Eight Tips of Cracking the MCAS Grade 8 & 10 Exams” and MCAS Academy

                Test Preparation Timeline

 

 

Remember to encourage your child to do their best and be supportive.

Please see Testing Schedule on Page 3.