Spring CRCT testing begins April 17

Posted Tuesday, April 11, 2006

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Fulton County elementary and middle school students will soon participate in annual spring testing. During April 17-21, students in grades 1-8 will take the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT), a series of assessments that measure how well students are mastering the curriculum.

Changes in state law have ended social promotion in Georgia. All third graders must now score at or above expectations in reading on the CRCT. Fifth and eighth graders must score at or above expectations in reading and math. Those scoring below level will not advance to the next grade level unless they attend summer learning opportunities and pass a make-up test.

The Fulton County School System expects that most students will meet or exceed the minimum requirements. However, parents should do their part to help their children perform at their best. The following tips from school counselors can help parents support their children during spring testing:

How Parents Can Help

Make sure your child attends school regularly and on time. Remember that tests reflect the overall achievement of your child. Time spent in learning situations increases the likelihood that he/she will do well on tests.
Avoid scheduling doctor’s or dentist’s appointments during testing times. Reschedule those appointments for after-school hours or on a day not affected by spring testing.
Give your child encouragement. Praise him/her for the things done well throughout the year. A child who is afraid of failing is more likely to make a mistake.
Ensure that your child has a well-rounded diet. A healthy body leads to a healthy, active mind. Make sure the child has a good breakfast on testing days, and every day.
Keep the lines of communication open between home and school. Parents and teachers should work together to benefit the child.
Make sure your child is well rested on school days. Children who are tired are less likely to pay attention in class or to handle the demands of class work and tests.
Try not to be overly anxious about test scores. Too much emphasis on test scores can be upsetting to children.
Don’t judge a child on the basis of a single test score. Test scores are NOT perfect measures of what a child can do. There are many other things that might influence a test score. For example, a child can be affected by the way he/she feels that day.
Follow normal routines. Interruptions of normal routines may affect your child’s performance.
Remember to bring students’ glasses. If your child wears an assistive device, such as glasses or hearing aids, be sure he/she remembers to bring it and wear it during all testing sessions.