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April Testing Information (2023-2024 School Year)

Spring is upon us and that means it will soon be time for 9th-11th graders to take their state-mandated assessments. Juniors will take both the SAT and the CMAS Science assessment; Sophomores will take the PSAT 10; and Freshmen will take the PSAT 8/9. See below for more details on the testing schedule.

We are encouraging strong participation in these assessments so that we can better measure the academic growth of our students. The results of these tests will give us important data which will help drive our efforts to overcome deficits and promote student academic growth.

The SAT is the most common way for students to meet the College and Career Readiness Demonstration (CCRD) requirements for graduation. They can do this by earning a 470 or better on the Evidence-based Reading and Writing section and a 500 or better on the Math section.

Visit here for more information about the CCRD: https://www.d11.org/academics/futureready/graduation-requirements

PSAT 8/9 and PSAT 10 results will provide key data to assist our teachers in helping students reach this goal. Additionally, SAT scores are still a key piece of information in the application process for some colleges and universities.

Finally, the CMAS Science test, given to students every three years, provides our teachers, school and district with invaluable information about how to improve our science education.

We ask that you make participation in these state-mandated assessments a priority. We are required to test all students, so if they are absent on the days we have set aside for testing, we will have to pull them out of class for make-up testing. Please do your best to avoid this disruption.

If you choose to excuse your student(s) from testing, please complete the attached form and return it to the Main Office as soon as possible, and no later than two days before testing.

Testing Schedule

Here is the schedule for our upcoming state-mandated assessments. Please look carefully as the schedule is different than in past years.

Testing Schedule (2023-2024)

Testing Information

What to Bring on Test Day

  • Your fully charged device. Bring your school-managed device that was issued to you to the test session.  Your device needs to be fully charged. Make sure Bluebook is installed on the device and that exam setup is complete. 
  • A power cord and/or a portable charger. We cannot guarantee you’ll have access to an outlet during testing. Your device should be able to hold a charge for 3–4 hours.
  • A pencil or pen. Scratch paper will be provided—do not bring your own.

What to Expect on Test Day

Your proctor will begin check-in.  Here's what will happen next:

  • The proctor will issue you some instructions.
  • The proctor can answer questions only about procedure, not about test questions or content.
  • The proctor will give you a start code. Once you enter the start code, testing will begin, and Bluebook will keep track of the time you have remaining in each test section.
  • Each student is timed individually so you'll take breaks and complete testing at slightly different times.
  • Each section of the test (Reading and Writing, and Math) has 2 parts called modules, and each module is timed separately.
  • You can move back and forth between questions in a module and review your answers until time expires.
  • Once you've moved on from a module, you cannot go back to it.
  • When the test is over, your answers are submitted automatically.
  • If your submission fails for any reason, don't worry! Your answers will be saved to your device, and you'll have time to resubmit.

Taking the Test

  • On test day, you’ll connect to Wi-Fi, log in to Bluebook, and complete a short check-in process.
  • Before the test starts, your proctor will read some instructions, collect any prohibited items, and give you a start code. You’ll enter the code into Bluebook and the test will begin.
  • The test has 2 sections—Reading and Writing, and Math—with a short break in between.
    • Your school will let you know if you’ll also be taking the SAT Essay, which would appear as a third section of the test.
  • Each section has 2 parts called modules, and each module is timed separately. You can move back and forth between questions in a module and review your answers until time expires.
  • At the end of the test, Bluebook will submit your answers automatically. Do not close your device until you see the “Congratulations!” screen.
  • If your submission fails for any reason, you’ll see instructions in the app to complete your submission.  

Breaks

Students will have one 10-minute break during the test between test sections. You can take an unscheduled break if you need to, but you'll lose testing time.

  • Leave your device open; don't close your device.
  • Keep your ID with you at all times. It will be checked every time you enter the testing room.
  • If you brought a calculator, it must remain on your desk during breaks.

Prohibited Devices

The following devices and aids aren't allowed in the test center:

  • Mobile phones. smartwatches, fitness trackers, or other wearable technology (simple digital non-smartwatches or analog watches are acceptable)
  • Audio players or recorders, notebooks, Bluetooth devices (such as wireless earbuds/headphones), or any other personal computing devices not used as the actual or backup testing device
  • Separate timers of any type
  • Cameras or any other photographic equipment
  • Highlighters or colored pencils
  • Books or references of any kind except as approved as an English language learner support for in-school administrations
  • Compasses, rulers, protractors, or cutting devices
  • Papers of any kind, including scratch paper
  • Earplugs
  • Privacy screens
  • Weapons or firearms

Penalties for Prohibited Devices

If your prohibited electronic device makes noise or you're seen accessing it at any time, including during breaks, you may be dismissed immediately, your scores can be canceled, and the device may be confiscated and its contents inspected.

The test administration staff is required to collect and hold phones and other prohibited electronic devices or to require students to place them in backpacks away from their desks during the test administration, including break periods, or to deny admission to anyone who has possession of a prohibited electronic device. College Board isn't responsible for loss of or damage to personal items, including electronic devices, while you're in the test center.