Statewide Testing | Video

Amy Fox | 10/8/2012

In an eighth grade science class they`re learning all about rocks and the Earth. But, come two weeks, and they`ll be applying all of that knowledge to a test.

"Each year it addresses different areas of our core standards that the state establishes to test to make sure our students are receiving the instruction that they need," said Our Redeemer’s Christian School Administrator Charles Strand.

The North Dakota State Assessment tests grades 3-8 and 11 on the core state standards, like math, English, science, and reading. And, in the next few years, they`ll need to be flawless in all subjects.

"The no child left behind act asks us to have all children proficient at 100%," explains Jeff Holme, Minot Public Schools Assistant Elementary Superintendent.
And, with more families moving to western North Dakota and more new kids in the classroom, as Strand explains, it`s a tall order to fill.

"There are students coming in and out during state testing. Maybe from other states that don`t have as rigorous requirements as North Dakota does."

Holme said, "There`s also a rule that students must be with us from test window to test window for their scores to count for our proficiency."

While there`s been no significant changes made to this year`s test, North Dakota educators believe there`s a big facelift yet to come.

"We`re hearing in a couple of years we will no longer take a North Dakota State Assessment,” said Holme. “We will probably be taking assessments online."

With tougher standards to achieve, educators are already looking for new ways to teach the materials on the test.

"We want to be sure we`re meeting all of the standards that the state puts fourth for them to achieve those goals," said Strand.

Holme said, "Once you take that state test, it`s kinda too late to go back and impact learning for that test."

But, until the test results are out, educators can only hope that their lessons will be carried out on the test.

Testing begins October 22nd and will run until November 9th.

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