Assessments: The Proficiency Assessment for Wyoming Students will be administered this spring beginning in March. The official test window is March 12 through April 16. Tests will be given to students in grades 3-8 in reading, writing and math. Additionally, students in 4th grade and 8th grade will be assessed in science. Each of the subjects will be assessed both electronically and using paper and pencils. The exception is writing which will only be assessed using paper and pencil.
Exact schedules for each class have not been set. Individual teachers will have more information as testing time approaches.
This proficiency assessment has been designed to be a criterion-referenced assessment. Formerly, assessments have been norm referenced. The difference between the two types of assessments is what they are designed to do. A norm-referenced assessment is designed to separate students into groups. A criterion-referenced assessment is designed to tell us what the students can do. By knowing what they can do, we can refine our instruction to meet the needs of each individual student.
Electronic Devices: During the last four years we have been battling classroom and school wide disruptions brought about by certain electronic devices. Specifically, MP3 players, games and cell phones. Students listening to music instead of the teacher, playing games instead of doing a project or having a phone that rings or vibrates all cause disruptions to the whole class. When one of these items comes up missing the resulting search causes school wide disruptions. Inappropriate use of camera phones has caused disruptions to entire communities. Foxnews.com has recently reported on multiple people who are having pictures taken without consent and answers to tests photographed and spread via texting. According to one source a photo taken with a cell phone can spread to over 1000 cell phones in less than 5 minutes.
It is for these reasons that we ask students not to bring electronic devices to school. I have asked teachers that see or hear an MP3 player, electronic game or cell phone to confiscate it and turn it in to the office. I do return the device to the student after school. We appreciate your assistance in creating the most interruption free environment for your kids.
Things That Distract Students (please leave these at home):
1) Heelies (Shoes with wheels in the heels)
2) Cell Phones (If you need to reach your student please call the office.)
3) Radios, CD/DVD players (These cause distractions to others even when ear phones are used)
4) Hand Held Games (Again, this distracts the person playing and other students.)
