Standardized Tests - what grade?

[BC-JoanneNY]

In your state/school district, at what grade do the kids start taking standardized achievement tests?

Dylan is in a private school and much to my disappointment, he's taking his first this year - in FIRST GRADE! Where's the fainting smilie when you need it? I just found out about this. They are administered in the beginning of April, right after the Easter break and will take place over 3 days. I know they have a reading test, not sure about mathematics yet.

Ba-humbug.

[Monchhichi]

Our "official" standardized tests occur in grades 3 and 6. However, we do less formal standardized tests beginning in Kindergarten.

We do "An Observation Study" (Marie Clay) in Kindergarten and grade 1, which tests a child's literacy skills (where you begin a book, which direction you read, etc.), letter recognition, ability to hear the sounds in words, and other similar skills.

We begin running records of specific books (same books used in every school in our district) in order to level the students beginning in grade 1. Starting in grade 4, we do CASI, a standardized literacy test. The reading levels (primary) and CASI levels (junior and intermediate) are provided to administration each term so that children who aren't performing at the expected level don't fall through the cracks.

We also have our "official" standardized tests. We have province-wide assessment done in grades 3 and 6. These are language and math tests that are done by every grade 3 and 6 student in the province (unless exempt due to special needs.) The unmarked tests are collected by the province and marked by a specially trained team, then the achievement levels are sent back to the school.

[jan21]

We start standardized tests (math, reading, writing) for No Child Left Behind in 3rd grade. I believe they are every year after that.

Janice
Laura & Elizabeth 11/29/00

[BC-MAV]

Private school? I don't even know if/when they do standardized tests!

[Margarete Anne]

Starts in our private school in first grade.

Starts in public school in second grade.

[Brina]

I have two in school so far and they are in second haven't taken any yet, not sure if they start this year or next year.

[BC-monarchbutterfly]

the past two years s has taken a reading test and another test.

this year was the first year in third grade that they are taking a standardized state exam.

[jadejong]

My boys' private school used to begin in 1st grade. Too young in my opinion. This year they wised up, saved the money and started in 2nd.

I used to teach 1st grade and had to administer standardized tests. I found it to be very frustrating for many kids. Basically it tested their ability to take a test, not necessarily their reading or comprehension skills.

[eli]

I *think* I remember hearing that DD's 1st grade (public school) class will be administered standardized tests this Spring...April maybe?????? Last year, she was given standardized testing TWICE in kindergarten! (Catholic school) Once in the Fall and once in the Spring. These were two different tests. I can check the names if you're interested, but don't recall off the top of my head. I was surprised, but found it somewhat interesting. I do realize it did not mean much at her age.

[BC-JoanneNY]

Originally Posted by jadejong

Basically it tested their ability to take a test, not necessarily their reading or comprehension skills.

I agree with you wholeheartedly.