Title: Frequently asked questions about standardized testing - Chalkbeat Philadelphia
Headings: Frequently asked questions about standardized testing
Frequently asked questions about standardized testing
How will standardized tests be used to make decisions about my child?
How will tests be used to make decisions about my child’s school?
How will individual students’ academic progress be evaluated from year to year?
Will English Language Learners and Special Education students be required to take the TerraNova and PSSA tests?
What are some of the concerns about using standardized tests for holding schools accountable?
How can parents use the results of these tests to help their child?

Content: The challenge of No Child Left Behind is to maintain increasing achievement gains, so that by 2013-14 all children will reach "proficiency" as defined by their state. How can parents use the results of these tests to help their child? Schools are required to send home test reports to parents. By reviewing these reports, parents can follow their child’s progress and compare it to the scores of other children in the state and in Philadelphia. Parents should not necessarily draw conclusions from these tests alone, but rather, can work with their child’s teacher to identify areas in need of improvement based on the tests and on the student’s classroom work. After identifying areas of need, a parent may help their child set learning goals, monitor homework in a particular subject more closely, work with the school to arrange for special help through afterschool or extended day programs, or purchase (or borrow from the library) supplemental materials for use at home. For elementary-aged children struggling in reading and math, Pennsylvania offers Classroom Plus — a program that offers parents grants of up to $500 to purchase afterschool tutoring in reading and math for third through sixth-graders. For more information about this program, call the Classroom Plus hotline at 1-800-219-9740.