TERRA NOVA INFORMATION

All students will be taking Terra Novas today and tomorrw.  Many parents have questions about the tests.  I am hoping to answer many questions/concerns you have.  Please feel free to email me if you have additional concerns or questions after reading below.

• Your child will be taking the first grade test.
• The test is a standardized group test with standardized testing procedures.  I will be able to read the questions aloud, but otherwise cannot answer questions or deviate from the testing script.  Your child will bubble their answer on a testing booklet.
• We will miss our morning enrichment classes, as those teachers will be proctors for EOG’s the same week.  We will still have our afternoon enrichment classes.
• The tests range from 65-80 mins. depending on the pace of the class in answering questions but include several breaks and stopping points.
• The students will take Language Arts Tuesday (today) and Math Wednesday (tomorrow).  
• You will receive the test results over the summer (hopefully with your child’s final report card).  The results will show your individual child’s score as well as their percentile rank.
• PLEASE make sure your child arrives on time.  Tests will begin promptly at 8:40.  If your child is tardy to school, they will miss that day’s test and there are no make-up tests.
• The students are aware of the tests.  However, I DO NOT make a big deal out of them and encourage you to do the same.  Once the test is over, we will continue our day (recess, centers, etc.) as usual.  We will not introduce any new concepts or do much class work at all.  Please do not emphasize these tests.  Simply encourage your child to do their best.  Make sure they are well-rested, eat a substantial breakfast, and are relaxed.
• I have told the students that they should also be resting their brains at home.  Please do not make them do optional assignments or practice at home-- no test cramming in Kindergarten! =)  Letting them play and relax will ease their minds to perform at school.  No spelling tests or math facts this week as well.