Parents of 8th grade students are reminded that the RB placement test for 8th graders going to RB next year will be held on Saturday, January 9, at 8:00 a.m., at Riverside Brookfield High School. 8th grade students should come to the new main RB door on Golf Road no later than 8:00. They will be directed to the cafeteria where they will be divided into groups and assigned to a classroom for testing. The testing takes two hours and covers English, Math, Science, and Reading. (Foreign language tests are given later in the spring at Hauser.) All students should bring a calculator and two #2 pencils. The testing, in conjunction with Hauser teacher assessments, helps RB determine in which classes to place freshmen. Students will receive their test results at the pre-registration meeting (for parents and students) on March 3, where class options will be discussed. Students who have an unavoidable conflict or illness on January 9 should contact April Englehart, RB Student Services, at engleharta@rbhs208.org. There will be a make-up test available on January 16 at 8:00 a.m., but you must contact Ms. Englehart to register for that test.

All schools in District 96 will be administering the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) test during the next two weeks (April 15th-April 25th). All students will be tested in reading during the first week and mathematics during the second. At Hauser, 8th graders will test on either Tuesdays or Thursdays. Hauser’s 6th and 7th graders will test on Wednesdays. Make-up tests will be given on Fridays. Each team will experience some minor changes in scheduling during this test window.

MAP tests, which are taken on the computer, are unique in that they adapt to your child’s level of learning. As a result, each student has the same opportunity to succeed and maintain a positive attitude toward testing. MAP tests allow for shorter tests and use less class time, while still resulting in detailed information about each child’s growth.

Parents can support student success during testing in the following ways:
* Encourage attendance and prompt arrival at school each day of testing.
* Enforce an appropriate bedtime to ensure a full night’s sleep.
* Provide a healthy breakfast on the mornings of testing.
* Remind your child to ask the teacher questions during test administration if directions are not clear.
* Provide encouragement by communicating confidence in your child’s ability.

Thank you in advance for your support during the April testing window. If you have questions regarding MAP testing, do not hesitate to call Ms. Berman.

Next Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings (March 11, 12, 13, and 14) the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT) will be administered to Hauser students. This state-required battery of tests includes reading and mathematics for all grades. Sixth and eighth grade students will receive additional testing in writing. Seventh grade students will receive additional testing in science. The results of these state tests will be reported to you on the Illinois School Report Card later in the year.

A revised daily schedule will be in place at Hauser for all four testing dates. Testing will take place each day from 8:45 – 11:00 a.m. The PTA will provide a mid-morning snack of juice boxes for each child on each day of testing. Lunch schedules will be unchanged on all testing days. Make-up tests will be given during the week following regular testing.

Parents can support student success during testing in the following ways:
* Encourage attendance and prompt arrival at school each day of testing.
* Enforce an appropriate bedtime to ensure a full night’s sleep.
* Provide a healthy breakfast on the mornings of testing.
* Remind your child to ask the teacher questions during test administration if directions are not clear.
* Provide encouragement by communicating confidence in your child’s ability.

Calculator use is permitted for the mathematics tests. Hauser’s math teachers recommend a TI 30 (or equivalent) scientific calculator with a fraction key. Please note: The school will not provide calculators. Please be sure that your child comes to school prepared with an appropriate calculator each day of testing. Soft lead pencils (#2) are also required.

The Illinois State Board of Education offers interactive sample tests and questions at:
http://metacat2.com/iltestlinks.html
www.isbe.net/assessment/isat.htm

The State of Illinois requires participation by all eligible students. Participation rate is part of the state’s evaluation of our school and district; therefore it is important that we test 100% of our students. Please help us meet the state’s expectation by supporting your child’s attendance and prompt arrival on all testing days.