Parents and Guardians,
The purpose of this letter is to inform you that on Monday, January 4, 2021, the first day we come back from break, we will begin the Winter testing for each of our students on the NWEA reading and math. Even though many school districts are teaching remotely, the Michigan Department of Education is requiring all school districts to administer these standardized tests. The NWEA is a test that measures what a student knows. It is important that we measure where the student is academically to see how they are growing throughout the school year.
As you can imagine, testing all students remotely will be a difficult task. There are several factors that may affect the testing environment: state testing server, home connectivity environment, and limitations of student devices. Because of all of these factors we will need to test our students in small groups. So, from Monday, January 4 through Friday, January 8, students will not be reporting to their regularly scheduled classes. All students will be expected to attend their advisory class each day. During Advisory, students will be given their individual testing times for the week. All students are expected to attend their scheduled testing times and keep their cameras on throughout the testing. Each student will have their own private session. Only their teacher can view them as they take their tests.
Testing Schedule
Monday, January 4: NWEA Student Workshop with advisory teacher
- Students will report to advisory from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
- Teachers will Work through troubleshooting technology with students (pop ups, resolution etc.)
- Teachers will discuss the testing schedule and provide students with their testing schedule
Tuesday, January 5 & Wednesday, January 6: NWEA Small Group Reading Testing
- Students will report to advisory from 8:30 a.m. – 8:55 a.m.
- Students will be assigned their individual testing session by their advisory teacher.
- Students will report to their two-hour NWEA Reading testing session.
Thursday, January 7 & Friday, January 8: NWEA Small Group Math Testing
- Students will report to advisory from 8:30 a.m. – 8:55 a.m.
- Students will be assigned their individual testing session by their advisory teacher.
- Students will report to their two-hour NWEA Math testing session.
We are anticipating that many of our students may experience technology issues. We ask that you stay patient and understanding during this testing cycle. If your student is unable to complete the test due to any of the factors outlined above, we will reach out to you and your student to provide an alternate testing opportunity.
Sincerely,
Donald Fish
Principal, Strong Middle School
Donald Fish
Principal, Strong Middle School