WELCOME! League Academy Parent Workshop #1 How can I help my child on the PACT test?

WELCOME!

League Academy

Parent Workshop #1

How can I help my child

on the PACT test?

PACTPalmetto Achievement

Challenge Test

How Can I Help My Child On PACT?

Dates: April 29- May 3, 2002

Why Test?

• Tests are a part of life. They are useful for measuring our skills, our knowledge and our attainment of standards.

• In today's society, there's a lot of testing. If you want a driver's license, there's a written test and a driving test. To get a job, you often have to take a test.

Students in South Carolina Take a Variety of Tests:

• PACT (Palmetto Achievement Challenge Tests)

• BSAP Exit Exam (SC Basic Skills Assessment Program)

• MAT-7 (Metropolitan Achievement Tests)

• NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress)

• School district tests

• Classroom tests

• Tests to get into college or the military

What Have We Learned From These Tests and Comparisons?

1. Students in South Carolina must do better on the tests they take.

2. The standards for our state tests are too low. According to the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation, our state standards are ranked third in the nation. Since the PACT test is relatively new, it will take time for us to reach these standards!

As a state, we must raise standards and better prepare our students to meet them, so they will be ready for work and college.

South Carolina is committed to new, higher standards in all subjects, including the subjects of Mathematics,

Reading/English Language Arts, Science and Social Studies

Parent Questions about PACT

• Why was PACT developed?

• Who designed PACT?

• What type of questions are on the test?

• Are all students required to take the test?

• How will my child be prepared to take this test and do well?

Parent Questions about PACT• How will the test be scored to be sure it is fair?

• Will I be informed of my child’s test results? What kind of information will the results of the test tell me about my child?

• When will the PACT test be given and in what grades will it be administered?

Students:• Always be prepared for class by doing your

homework and having the required materials. • Ask questions when you do not understand

something. • Review your notes from class at home each

evening when the material is still fresh in your mind.

• Take higher-level courses to challenge yourself to your fullest potential.

• Review the sample test questions for your grade level.

Parents:• Read to and with your child. • Make sure your child sees you reading. • Make sure your child attends school regularly. • Maintain regular communication with your child’s

teachers. • Monitor your child’s homework and progress in

school. Provide a quiet, comfortable place for studying at home.

• Become an active member in your child’s parent-teacher organization.

• Make sure your child gets plenty of rest and has a well-rounded diet.

Teachers:• Continue to become familiar with the frameworks and

standards as you incorporate them into your daily lesson plans.

• Explain the testing program to your students and their parents.

• Use Essential Questions as a way of communicating in “kid language” what students must know for PACT.

• Encourage students to ask questions. • Review school wide test results to strengthen

weaknesses.

BSAP and PACT Comparison

Grade 6

60% of _________ = 375

A. 225 B. 250

C. 625 answer D. 937.5

Grade 6

At a clearance sale, the price of a VCR was discounted 40%. The discount price was $375. What was the original price? Explain how you solved this problem. Answer: $625 with explanation.

BSAP and PACT Comparison

Grade 8A sugar cube dissolving in

water is an example of: A. a physical change. answer

B. a chemical change. C. an atomic change. D. a kinetic change.

The picture below shows the same amount of sugar in two different forms.

sugar cube loose sugar

When sugar dissolves in water, is a physical or a chemical change taking place? Explain your answer.

Design an experiment to determine which form of sugar would dissolve faster. Be sure to list all the materials you will use and the steps of your procedure.

Answer 1. physical change with an explanation; 2. experiment designed

Grade 6 Math Test Information

Type of Item Number of Items Value Total Points

Multiple Choice 49 1 49

Open Ended Less than 16 1-4 16

Strand Name Emphasis

I Number and Numeration Systems 21%

II Numerical and Algebraic Concepts/ Operations

18%

III Patterns, Relationships and Functions

15%

IV Geometry and Spatial Sense 22%

V Measurement 12%

VI Probability and Statistics 12%

Grade 6 ELA Test Information



Open Ended Response Less than 16 1-4 16

Extended Response 2 15 30

Strand Approximate Percentage of Test Item Points

Reading 45%

Writing 40%

Listening 10%

Research 5%

Speaking 0%








20%


20%


V Measurement 14%








Reading 45%

Writing 40%

Listening 10%

Research 5%

Speaking 0%








20%


20%


V Measurement 14%








Reading 45%

Writing 40%

Listening 10%

Research 5%

Speaking 0%

Let’s Take a Look at PACT Mini-Tests

PACT mini-tests are provided by the SC State Department of Education for parents, students and teachers to become familiar with the type of questions used in this test.

Thank you for coming!

League Academy

Parent Workshop #1

PACT Test Dates -April 29-May 3, 2002

Web Resources http://www.sde.state.sc.us

http://www.sde.state.sc.us/

NEXT MONTH

League Academy

Parent Workshop #2

Next: February 26, 2002

How to Live with an Adolescent!?

Documents

WELCOME! League Academy Parent Workshop #1 How can I help my child on the PACT test?