The Merits of Arizona's New Standardized Test

The Merits of Arizona's New Standardized Test - Principles of Principals

On November 3, 2014, behind the distractions of the mid-term elections; the Arizona State Board of Education approved the RFP from SAGE Testing Company for full implementation of the AzMERIT for Spring 2015.

If you're a parent, student, or employed in education you need to know some things about this test.

In it's entirety, the test is computer based. Instead of asking your child to select the correct graph from a menu of choices, they will be asked to create a graphic representation on their own.

Admittedly, it's a much DEEPER look into applied knowledge.

Utah took the test last school year with startling results. Less than half tested proficient.

Less than half.

Either it's a distilled look at UT children's abilities, or the results are skewed by rapid implementation of new standards, new measures of accountability, and new testing protocols.

Is Arizona ready?

District's who were preparing, have had a minor shift in preparation towards the new test. They will see drastically reduced performance ratings.

Public schools who weren't prepared will see scores will below the State's lower averages.

In either case, Arizona is already performing below Utah's (and the nation's) average.

Are your school leaders having a dialogue with you about what to expect? They should.

Schedule an appointment. Ask questions. Go here to take a sample test and see what our kids are in for.

Take my advice, it's worth much more that you paid.

JS

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