Testing
2023-2024 Assessment Schedule
Placement Testing
Placement testing is used by Eagle Ridge Academy to determine the level of courses needed for all incoming 8th grade students. This is done to give the best chance of success for all students. Placement testing is required for all incoming 8th grade students. An informational email will be sent out to all families receiving a seat for their student in advance of the testing dates. ERA builds in two make-up dates to accommodate those students who are unable to attend the initial testing date.
Benchmark Testing
Eagle Ridge Academy utilizes the services of Horizon Testing to provide teachers with essential data to drive their instruction to best meet the needs of students. Students and families will also receive detailed reports detailed information about their progress towards PSAT and SAT success. Benchmarks are given three times each school year prior to our Super Testing Week in April. Benchmark tests are given to grades 9, 10, & 11.
Spring Assessment Information
Colorado is assessing 9th and 10th-grade students using the PSAT 8/9 and PSAT 10. This will help them prepare for the SAT their junior year, which is not only a state-mandated, national test required for some college/university entrance and some scholarship programs, but it is also one of the options to meet the Colorado graduation requirements beginning with the class of 2021 (see page 8 of our Course Description Guide for more information). Once students take the PSAT, they will be able to use online resources with College Board and Khan Academy to get free, personalized help and practice for the SAT. These assessments are now better aligned to prepare students for college and careers by measuring their academic readiness and growth at each grade level.
The CMAS Science assessment is required by the state of Colorado to specifically determine if an 11th-grade student is at grade level in their science learning. We also use this data to help drive our instruction.
The ASVAB is a multiple-aptitude battery test that measures developed abilities and helps predict future academic and occupational success. Later this spring, we will have time for the students to review their results and learn about possible career paths that they will most likely enjoy. While the military uses this assessment as a part of their entrance requirements, NO scores from this administration will be released to the military. This will also be an opportunity for the Class of 2021 and beyond to meet the graduation requirements set by the State of Colorado and explore potential career fields.
In general, all standardized assessments implemented are data-points our school will use to determine our effectiveness and how we can better serve our students. These scores help us determine student readiness for classroom assignments and course-placement as well as college readiness.
We are very proud of our students for scoring the top in the district in years past, and we look forward to them continuing to perform their best this year!
Resources Available to Help Prepare:
- College Board resources and information
- Khan Academy free practice and help (login/connect to College Board account to get personalized practice)
- March2Success free practice and diagnostic tests
- Understanding and Using Scores from the SAT
- ACT Practice tests
- Bluebook™ digital testing app
Opt-Outs:
In order to exempt your student from an assessment (opt-out), please fill out State Testing Opt Out Form prior to the test date.
Please reach out to Mr. Pletsch ([email protected]) with any questions.