Wisconsin: A Parent’s Guide to Standards and Assessment (continued)

1. reading
2. language arts
3. mathematics
4. science
5. social studies

The statewide tests that children take help improve teaching and learning. The tests are based on Wisconsin’s Model Academic Standards, and results are reported in terms of proficiency standards. For example, a fourth-grade student’s score on the statewide mathematics test will be reported in terms of the standards established for learning at fourth grade. The DPI website at http://www2.dpi.state.wi.us/wsas/default.asp reports summaries of proficiency scores for all public schools statewide. Schools are required to report test results to parents of students in fourth, eighth, and tenth grades. Children will take state tests, or tests developed by the school district, at school. Some students with special education needs may be able to take the state tests with accommodations or may participate in alternate assessments that meet goals described in their individual education plans. For more information on testing students with special needs, please see hhttp://dpi.wi.gov/sped/tm-specedtopics.html.

Below is a list of the types of tests children will take at the appropriate grades:

Test Grade(s)

• Wisconsin Reading Comprehension Test 3

• Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examinations 4, 8, 10

The test scores will show how each child is doing in the tested areas. Although the state tests do a good job of measuring student achievement of the standards, one test cannot measure everything that children have learned. Instead, the state tests attempt to provide parents and teachers with an overall picture of areas that each child has learned well and those in which he or she may need to improve. The tests measure a child’s performance at one point in time and can be valuable tools in identifying areas of strength for each child and areas where additional help is needed. The tests also help schools measure the effectiveness of their curriculum and where to make changes, if needed.

More About the Tests Children Will Take:

• The Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS)

• Wisconsin Reading Comprehension Test

This test is taken by third graders over a three-week period each spring. The test is given in three sessions and is not timed. Most children finish each of the first two sessions in about an hour and the third session in about a half-hour. The purpose is to identify a child’s reading level compared to statewide proficiency standards for third-grade children.

• The test results are important because:
  • Parents are informed about their child’s reading comprehension skills, or how well children understand the material they read. Test scores will fall into one of four levels: advanced, proficient, basic, or minimal performance.
  • Based on the scores, parents and teachers can decide whether additional instruction is needed. Teachers and other school staff can talk with parents about ideas for improving skills and learning at school and at home.
  • School districts can judge how well their reading programs work and can change them, if needed.

Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examinations

These tests are given statewide to students in the fourth, eighth, and tenth grades each year. The tests measure knowledge and skills in five subject areas: mathematics, science, social studies, reading, and language arts. Remember, there are 14 subject areas within Wisconsin’s Model Academic Standards that are NOT directly covered by the state tests.

Proficiency Levels

These levels indicate how well children have learned the knowledge and skills tested when compared to set standards. In Wisconsin, these standards are called proficiency standards. These proficiency levels were set by Wisconsin teachers, based solely upon what children should know and be able to do at each grade level. The proficiency levels were set as goals to which students and schools can aspire. Each proficiency level includes a range of scores. There are four proficiency levels:

1. Advanced: distinguished achievement. Student shows an in-depth understanding of academic knowledge and skills tested.
2. Proficient: student is competent in the important academic knowledge and skills tested.
3. Basic: student is somewhat competent in the academic knowledge and skills tested.
4. Minimal performance: student shows limited achievement in the academic knowledge and skills tested.

A Great Tool for Parents: The WINSS Website

One of the most useful tools for parents is the WINSS website. WINSS stands for Wisconsin Information Network for Successful Schools and can be found at http://www.dpi.state.wi.us/sig/index.html. On this website, parents can find information on standards and assessment, continuous school improvement, and best practices. WINSS also includes a data analysis section with test results and other information about every school and district in Wisconsin. WINSS is constantly being updated, so search the site often.