Helping your child do his/her best on the test

Talk to your child regularly about what he or she is learning at school and check over homework.
Attend parent conferences and other PTO events. Communicate with your child’s teacher and counselor by notes and phone calls.
Support your child in studying by providing a quiet, well lit place to work.
Make a schedule of homework and study time that is agreeable with you and your child that provides time for play time, snacks, and time together to discuss the work or read together. The average child can only focus for about 30 minutes before he/she needs a 5 minute break.
Stress the importance of an education for future goals that you discuss regularly with your child. Refrain from stressing the child. Encourage, Encourage, Encourage!
Before tests:
make sure your child has a good night’s rest of at least 8 hours.
keep a calm atmosphere free from stress.
provide a balanced breakfast the morning of the test.
Most importantly, encourage your child and support him/her to do his /her best.

Always... for the Children.

J.M. Odom Elementary

Brian Law
School Counselor
2902 Sardis Ch. Rd.
Moultrie, GA 31788

J.M. Odom Elementary

You, Your Child and Testing.

A guide to the
CRCT, ITBS and STAR tests.

Phone: 324-3315
Fax: 324-3317
Email: blaw@colquitt.k12.ga.us

J M Odom Academic Night 2004

You are your child’s most important teacher.

Georgia Criterion-Referenced Competency Test
(CRCT)

The CRCT is designed to measure what skills and knowledge the student has learned based on the Quality Core Curriculum (QCC) standards for Georgia students. The scores will be used to diagnose student strengths and weaknesses as related to instruction of the QCC and will be an evaluation of the quality of education in Georgia.
Who takes the test?
Grades 1-8 are tested in Reading, Language Arts and Math. Grades 3-8 will also take the Science and Social Studies assessment. The test is given each Spring. This year’s dates are: April 13th –22nd
This year CRCT Reading scores will be used as a criteria for promotion to 4th grade. If a student does not meet expectations he/she will be given the opportunity to attend Summer School for Reading and retake the test on June 29, 2004.

CRCT is a timed test. Each section has a time limit . Unanswered questions will be incorrect.

CRCT score reports
The scores for each area tested are based on a scale of 150 to 450. Any score above 300 meets the performance expectations of the state QCC. Any score below 300 is considered below the minimum and does not meet the expectations.
Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS)
The ITBS is a Norm-Referenced Test that measures your child’s achievement. There is no passing or failing grade. The test will compare your child with students across the nation that are taking the same test It will also give a grade equivalent. Skill performance on each subject will help the teacher identify the strengths and weaknesses of subject areas.
Who takes the ITBS?
The test is given to all students in grades 3, 5, and 8. Students will be tested in Reading, Math, Spelling, Language, Study Skills, Science, Social Studies and Listening. This year’s test dates are May 3-8.

Norm Referenced tests shows a comparison of the student’s knowledge compared to others.

ITBS Score Reports

The scores for each area tested are tallied using a raw score, scaled score, percentile ranking, normal curve equivalent and grade equivalent. The easiest way to determine your child’s level is to look at the GE or grade equivalent score. This score is based on the grade level and the month of school during the school year. For example a child in 3rd grade who takes the test in March should have a 3.8 in order to be on grade level. The scores are not used in isolation for placement or retention.

Star Reading and Math Screening
t

The Star diagnostic test is given locally by schools to determine reading and math levels. These reports are used to individualize instruction on the student’s level in Reading (Accelerated Reader) and Math. The tests are given in grades 1-5 and shows a standard score, grade equivalent, percentile ranking and range and normal curve equivalent. Use the GE or grade equivalent score to determine functioning level. These scores are not used in isolation for placement or retention.

J.M. Odom Elementary

Brian Law
School Counselor
2902 Sardis Ch. Rd.
Moultrie, GA 31788

Phone: 324-3315
Fax: 324-3317
Email: blaw@colquitt.k12.ga.us