Although test results are only one measure of student achievement, they have become increasingly important in assessing student learning. Nevada's assessment program, the Nevada Proficiency Examination Program (NPEP), combines a variety of tests to measure student learning. In 2005-2006 Nevada used the Nevada Criterion-Referenced Test (CRT) to test students in grades 3 through 8 in reading and math and in grades 5 and 8 in science. Students in grades 5 were 8 were also tested in writing using the Nevada Analytic Writing Examination (NAWE). High School students took the High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE) in reading, math and writing in 2005-2006. The CRT, NAWE and HSPE are standards-based tests that measure how well students are meeting the state's grade-level expectations.
Nevada also used the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) for elementary schools and the Iowa Tests of Educational Development (ITED) for high schools in 2005-2006. The ITBS and ITED are norm-referenced tests that measure how students are performing compared to their peers nationwide.
How are the tests scored?
The CRT, NAWE and HSPE results show the level of proficiency a student demonstrates in each of the subject areas tested. Students are rated on one of four levels: emergent/developing, approaches standard, meets standard or exceeds standard. The goal is for all students to meet or exceed the state standard on the test.
The ITBS and ITED measure performance through a percentile based on the scores of all students of the same grade level in the nation. All students receive a percentile rank, which indicates how well they performed in comparison to peers in other states. If the number is 45, for example, students scored as well or better than 45% of students who took the test across the country. The national average for all schools is 50. The goal is for all students to score at or above the national average.
Which results are included on GreatSchools profiles?
For the CRT, NAWE and HSPE, the combined percentage of students meeting and exceeding the state standard is displayed. ITBS and ITED results are not displayed in GreatSchools profiles.
GreatSchools also displays subgroup results to show how different groups of students are scoring in comparison to the overall student population in a given grade and subject. These subgroups are identified by the Nevada Department of Education; if there are a small number of students in a particular group in a school, data is not reported for that group.
Why do the tests matter?
The CRT, NAWE and HSPE test results provide an indication of whether students are making progress toward mastery of state content standards. All students must pass the HSPE to receive a high school diploma. Students are given many opportunities to pass the test, and receive remediation prior to their third and subsequent attempts. Test scores are also used to determine, in part, if schools are meeting Adequate Yearly Progress for No Child Left Behind.
It is important to be aware of both your child's score on the assessments and the overall score for her school. If your child scores below the standards, contact the teacher to discuss getting additional assistance, and to find out how you can support your child's learning at home.
If the school's overall results are low, ask what steps the school is taking to raise achievement levels for all students, and what you can do to help. If your child is in a failing school, ask what your options are for transferring and obtaining supplemental services.
What changes to the tests are planned for the future?
Beginning with the graduating class of 2010, students will be required to pass the HSPE in science.
A few parting words
Even though test scores can be an indicator of what's happening in the classroom, they don't tell you everything about the quality
of a particular school. Always look at more than one measure when judging school quality and visit in person before making any final
assessment.
Source: NV Dept. of Education, 2005-2006