Mars Area School District will administer the IOWA Test of Basic Skills (IOWA) to all fifth-grade students beginning the Week of Feb. 5.
The IOWAs will be administered online to our students. The reasons for this switch to online administration are:
- More efficient testing
- Easier process to schedule makeups
- Ability to monitor test completion
- Test results are provided within two weeks
The purpose for administering these assessments is:
- To determine gaps in our curriculum and to address those gaps properly
- To assist teachers in providing lessons at the student instructional level and to create effective enrichment/remediation strategies
- To have nationally normed data at Student Assistance Meetings and assist in decisions about evaluation for additional supports and services
- The IOWA scores will be used as one data point for identifying students for the Pre-Algebra course in sixth grade
Our goal is to make this experience as stress-free as possible for the children at school. We want this to be an enjoyable learning experience. At this young age, it is difficult for students to understand the meaning of tests. We would like them to view this as any other activity in the classroom where they always do their best. You do not need to discuss this with your child or put additional pressure on them, as it may only create anxiety. The purpose of the test is for educational purposes only. The results will be shared with you once the testing company has returned them.
Thank you,
Dr. Travis W. Mineard
Director of Special Education
Mars Area School District