Grade Placement Exam

Frequently Asked Questions

Who may take the exam?

• Any student who is enrolling at Shirley Brothers Elementary from a private or home school may request grade placement testing. Students may test for the grade level in which they have been previously instructed (eg. a student completing a private kindergarten may take the end of year kindergarten test).

• For a student to be considered for testing, they must have a completed enrollment packet turned in to the school registrar and the parent must fill out a grade placement application, given at the time of enrollment. Testing will be scheduled upon completion of these requirements.

What assessments are taken?

• Each student will potentially take 3 different assessments.

1. Web-based Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) in reading and math

2. DRA 2 (leveled reading assessment)**At the discretion of the grade placement committee

• Students will be given the web-based assessments for reading and math first. Devices are provided by the campus. Students may also be asked to take the DRA 2 upon completion of those assessments if it is determined that the committee wants more detailed information about the student’s reading (lexile) level..

What are the assessments comprised of?

• The NWEA MAP is a researched based platform that creates a personalized assessment experience for the student. It is intuitive and adapts to a student’s learning level as they work through the test. This provides appropriate measures of student readiness for instruction. Detailed information generated from the assessment reports will aid campus personnel in the determination of appropriate grade placement for a student entering public school. The content of the assessments reflects the standards for the specified grade level as established by the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills). The TEKS are non-negotiable standards set by the state of Texas for public education and are the framework for instruction in Alvin ISD.

• If the student is asked to take the DRA 2 portion, they will be asked to talk about reading behaviors, read a short book, and respond. They will also be tested on fluency and accuracy. All of these elements are scored on a protocol that allows the assessor to determine the student’s independent reading level.

How long will it take?

• Expect your student to spend between 2-3 hours with the web based assessments. Sometimes, it is necessary to take breaks, and you may be asked to pick up your student and bring them back at another time to complete an assessment if the test administrator determines that they are becoming fatigued.

What scores does a student need to receive to demonstrate “readiness” for grade placement?

4/24/17

What happens after testing?

• The report from testing will be available to school personnel after 24 hours. We will be able to provide you with report information at this time at your request.

• If your student’s scores indicate achievement in BOTH reading and math that is equal to or above the suggested RIT ranges for end of year (for the grade level completed), and is determined to be ready to learn at the next grade level, we may choose to give a DRA. At a later time, a grade placement committee (made up of administrators, the counselor, and our literacy specialist) will convene to look over student performance and make recommendations. You will then receive a phone call with next steps. While we will make every attempt to give you timely results, please understand it is the end of the year and we have many ongoing obligations on campus.

Where can I find more information about what will be on the test?

• You may visit http://tea.texas.gov/index2.aspx?id=6148 for more information about the TEKS and complete list of standards by grade level.

• There is no study guide or practice material provided by the school, as the content on the assessments is from standards covered throughout the year in our curriculum.