[BHS etree] ETREE: Testing, a summary of spring tests-- Exit, STAR, AP

[bhs at idiom.com]

contact: jhuseby at pacbell.net

EACH Spring Berkeley High administers three major sets of tests: The Exit
Exam, the California State STAR test, and the Advanced Placement Tests.

1.  The Exit Exam will be offered on March 15 and 16 (Tuesday and Wednesday)
to all sophomores (Class of 07.)  This test has been offered for several
years but the class of 06 is the first one which will be required to pass
the test in order to receive a high school diploma. The stakes are high for
students and the administration wants to do everything in its power to
ensure that all goes smoothly.  They are looking for 15 to 20 volunteers to
help check in the over 700 members of the class from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.
on those two mornings.  In addition, they will need a smaller number of
volunteers to help collect and order the exams between 12 and 2 p.m.  For
parents of 10th graders in particular this is a wonderful opportunity to
meet all your child's classmates as well as make a difference in helping the
exam go well.

2. The State Standardized STAR test will be offered to all 9th, 10th and
11th grade students the week of April 25.  This exam is used as an
assessment tool by the federal No Child Left Behind. The stakes here are
high for Berkeley High. Because three grade levels are taking this test,
teachers will help administer it.  However, parent help will be needed to
sort, stand in and act as runners.  More details will follow in April.

3. The Advanced Placement Tests take place from May 2 to May 13.  The number
of Advanced Placement courses offered at BHS is increasing annually.  This
year for the first time, all students who take an AP class must take the
exam.  If they don't take the exam, the school will not place an AP on the
transcript.  Students are expected to take _approximately 1,000 tests. Some
exams will be taken by over 100 students; others just a few.  In order to
administer these exams--which take place during school hours and thus can
not be monitored by teachers--dozens and dozens of parents are needed.  If
your child is taking even one AP exam, please plan on helping administer or
monitor one other. Details will follow in April.
______________________________
Janet Huseby and Kathryn Capps are the facilitators of the etree; please
direct any questions or concerns to them at <bhs-owner at idiom.com>

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