We have arrived at the time of year where we will administer the RISE Assessment for all 7th and 8th grade students. We will assess in English, Math and Science curriculums until May 24th when the testing window closes. If students miss the test, they can make it up May 20th – May 24th. Each teacher has their own testing schedule within this testing window. If you want to know specifically when your child’s class will be testing, please contact that teacher.
We are writing to ask for your support in encouraging your students to get plenty of rest, to eat a healthy diet and to do their best on the assessment.
We also want to make you aware of what the students need to know and some things that they can do to prepare and to succeed. Please have a discussion with your student about the following:
No electronic devices are allowed in the students’ possession during testing. Students have been advised to leave all electronic devices (phones, iPods, hotspots, apple watches, etc.) at home on testing days. If students bring devices to school, they have been advised to leave them in their lockers. If students bring devices to class, they will be required to turn them off and place them in a spot designated by the teacher.
Students can retrieve their electronics at the end of the period. We would prefer that they don’t bring them to class.
Students must bring a book to read quietly in case they finish the test early.
During the test, students cannot talk. If a student finishes a section earlier than the given time, he or she will need something to work on like reading a book or other homework that does not require the use of a computer or electronic device.
Students should bring headphones (no wireless headphones). Certain sections of the RISE test require the students to listen to passages. While the school can provide some students with headphones, it does not have nearly enough for every student. I highly recommend that your students bring headphones. They must be headphones that can plug into a computer using an auxiliary audio jack (no wireless).
The RISE assessment results is a very important data-gathering tool and students should take it very seriously. We do not want students to be stressed about the testing, but do require them to do their best to show what they have mastered and what they can do.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email Martin Hardy - Assistant Principal - Testing Coordinator - mhardy@dsdmail.net
