In This Issue:
- Testing Tips
- KSD Summer Program
- Journalism Workshops
- Spring Break Safety
- Take A Survey
Testing Tips
The Commonwealth Accountability Testing System assessments for Kentucky public schools will be conducted during April 17-28, 2006. These tests, which include multiple choice and open response questions, are used to measure the progress by students and schools and will be used to help make decisions about student learning. The tests cover different topics depending upon the student’s grade level and are given beginning with students who have reached the end of primary or 3rd grade, on through 12th grade.
Because these tests are important, the Kentucky Department for Education and local school districts thought it would be helpful to pass along some useful tips for parents as you help prepare children for the tests.
Ten Things Parents Can Do To Prepare for CATS
Know what days the tests are scheduled in your school district.
Schedule student appointments and trips that don’t conflict with the testing period. It’s important that your child be in school to take the tests.
Be positive. Encourage your child to take the test seriously and do his or her best. Explain to them that the results not only reflect upon their school and teachers, but also on their level of performance.
Check for information from your child’s school about test preparation and anything else that may be helpful prior to taking the tests, such as practicing with sample questions.
Make sure your child gets a good night’s rest – at least eight hours of sleep -- before each test day.
Make sure your child eats a healthy breakfast that includes protein and excludes sugary food the morning of each test day.
Tell your child to listen carefully to the instructions and to ask questions if he or she doesn’t understand. Encourage them to be relaxed, think positive and confident that they will do well.
Remind your child to carefully read the test questions and to not rush through a test. If there is time, remind them to check their answers.
Discuss any concerns or anxieties your child may have about the tests. If you have serious concerns or questions, call your child’s teacher, principal or guidance counselor.
On the test days, dress your child comfortably and avoid any unnecessary distractions. Get them to school on time, give them a hug and wish them good luck.
KSD Summer Program
The Kentucky School for the Deaf Kindergarten through Grade 8 Academic Summer School will be held Sunday, June 4 through Friday, June 16. This program is open to deaf and hard of hearing students attending both public schools and the Kentucky School for the Deaf. For more information, go to the KSD Web site. Registration is due by April 28.
Journalism Workshops
The University of Kentucky is hosting two summer journalism workshops.
The Dow Jones High School Journalism Workshop for Minorities is scheduled for June 14-24, 2006. This workshop is for students who will graduate in 2006, 2007 or 2008 and who are of African-American, Hispanic, Asian-American or Native American descent. The reporting focus for this workshop will be on sports; girls are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is March 17.
The UK Advanced High School Journalism Summer Workshop is scheduled for June 4-10, 2006. This workshop is for students with prior journalism experience who are rising juniors, rising seniors, or will graduate this spring. The reporting focus will be on the horse industry. The application deadline is April 14.
For more details on both of these workshops, click here.
Spring Break Safety
It’s about time for that family spring break trip. Before you hit the road, take a few minutes to check out some handy safety tips – ranging from sun safety for babies to safe swimming reminders for the beach. The American Academy of Pediatrics has compiled an excellent list of tips. Click here to see them.
Take A Survey
The Kentucky Department of Education is seeking input from parents and educators to help improve and clarify Kentucky’s Program of Studies. The Program of Studies is what is taught across the state and helps ensure that all students across the commonwealth are provided with common content and have opportunities to learn at a high level.
These curriculum documents are periodically updated to ensure that Kentucky's current standards are aligned and consistent with national and international standards for content knowledge. Would you please take a few minutes to review the proposed revisions for your grade and/or subject area of interest, and to share your thoughts with us? Go to the main KDE Web site at http://www.education.ky.gov and click on the Program of Studies Survey item. Thanks for your help!