SJS to switch standadized tests

The Diocese of Joliet has decided to switch the test diocese schools use to measure their students basic and cognitive skills. Below is a copy of the letter sent to parents of students in the Diocese.

Dear Parents,

This letter is to inform you of changes in standardized testing. After reviewing the TerraNova and The Iowa Tests of Basic Skills™ (ITBS), a decision was made to use the The Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS). Both standardized tests are highly regarded and widely used. A major reason we selected ITBS is the extensive online component that is easy for teachers to use when planning for their class. Moreover, an online site that provides general information about their child’s learning abilities profile is available for parents. Lastly, ITBS proved to be more cost effective.

Therefore, beginning with the 2007-08 school year, the students in the Diocese of Joliet Catholic elementary schools will take ITBS and its accompanying measure of cognitive skills, the Cognitive Abilities Test™ (CogAT). As a Diocese, we will continue to measure reading, language, mathematics and cognitive ability in grades three, five and seven as well as science and social studies in grades five and seven.

The tests will be administered in the fall of each school year instead of our usual spring testing. Fall testing is a measure of “longer term retention” of student achievement. Testing in the fall also provides the current teacher with information about student performance that can be used throughout the year.

With the change to ITBS and fall testing we will begin a new cycle of data. After this first year, schools will be able to compare results and monitor growth from year to year. This trend data will also help the Diocese and schools make adjustments to the curriculum and instructional program, if and where necessary.

As with TerraNova, The Iowa Tests of Basic Skills will give us information about how our students perform when compared to a normed population of students across the country. Our previous standardized test used norms for the year 2000 while ITBS uses 2005 norms. It is important to use the more current norms since student performance in the nation has improved slightly since 2000. Students who take the test in the fall are compared to other students taking the test at that time of the year. If we experience a difference in test results, the change will more likely be due to the new test and newer norms than to the time of taking the test.

As in the past, you will receive a report based on your child’s results. Keep in mind, these tests are only one measure of academic progress. A comprehensive view is obtained by using all the data collected during the school year, e.g. Diocesan Curriculum Assessments, textbook and teacher-made tests, grades, teacher observation, etc.

As the test dates approach, please help your child view this testing as an opportunity to demonstrate their mastery of the educational skills. Encourage your child to do their best. We recognize that parents try to make sure that their children are always well-rested and properly nourished. It is an especially important consideration during testing.

We realize change is challenging and we want this transition to be as seamless as possible. If after reading this letter and consulting with your school administrator, you still have questions or comments please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,
Sr. Helen Jean Kormelink, OSB, Superintendent of Schools
Pamela Gean, Director of Curriculum

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SJS to switch standadized tests