Tucson students will begin taking the AzMERIT assessment tests next week.Β
For some, taking a test is no big deal, but for others, the mere thought of it sends them into panic mode.Β
Here are a few things to know about the AzMERIT test and some ways to help your kids do their best.
Legislation and a student's progression
AzMERIT doesn't keep all students from progressing to the next grade level. However, third graders must get a certain score on the reading portion of the test to move on to fourth grade.Β
"The move-on in reading legislation is still in place for third graders," said Rob Henikman, principal at Canyon View Elementary School. "There is a specific cut score the state uses to determine whether a student will or will not be promoted...Even then, there are still different interventions that can be taken over the summer that would help ensure a child can in fact be promoted to fourth grade."
It's not the finish line
While it is the biggest assessment test of the year, it's just one test. It doesn't tell the whole story.
"It's our philosophy to never assess a child on one assessment," Henikman said. "We have many school and district assessments that give a more accurate indicator as to how a child is progressing."
"Parents should keep in mind that AzMERIT and other standardized tests are not the finish line," said Selena Llamas, Southern Arizona representative for Expect More Arizona. "They simply serve as checkpoints along the educational journey...It's about progress, not perfection. We want you to progress and want to see progression from last year's test results, but it's not about perfection."
How to help your kids
Reduce stress at home
Parent can reduce stress at home by telling their kids that it's just another normal day, Henikman said. "The assessments are just to find out what they know at that point in time."
Expect More Arizona says that keeping your own stress levels down can help your child succeed, since he or she can sense your tension.Β
Talk to the teacher
"I would say to parents, first, don't hesitate to ask your child's teacher for ways to help the child at home," Llamas said.Β
Practice critical thinking
Ask your child how to solve a math problem or ask them how to explain the details of the book they're reading.
"The test is about explaining and demonstrating their work," Llamas said.
Set them up for a good morning
Make sure they get to bed on time, make a good breakfast and try to make the morning go as smoothly as possible on test day.Β
Stay positive
"During the testing period and even after the assessment is actually done, I would say parents can really just stay positive by example," Llamas said. "And just encourage the kids to do their best and reinforcing their support no matter the outcome of the assessment."
Celebrate success
If your child is making progress in a particular area, celebrate it.Β
"If they're making the efforts, you don't want to just say 'oh, good job.' You want to enforce it with 'wow, you're making such great efforts. See that just proves you can keep going.' That's really important," Llamas said.Β
Consider broader context
"If parents are concerned about their child's test results, I would say be sure to consider them in a broader context of their child's grades, growth and feedback from the teacher," Llamas said.Β
Practice
Your child can take a practice test here.Β
You do not need to have an SSID. Just click on "sign in". You'll be able to access the sample tests as a guest.
Last year's test results
Last year, 38 percent of all Pima County students tested passed the ELA (english language arts) portion of the AzMERIT and 35 percent passed math.Β
For specific results by district, click here.
