WESTEST 2 is gone, and the West Virginia General Summative Assessment (WGSA), which includes assessments in mathematics and English Language Arts, has taken its place. Public school students across the state in grade 3-11 will take the required test, which also includes a science assessment for students in grade 4, 6 and 10. The testing window for Greenbrier County students in grade 3-11 opens on Apr. 22. While each student tests for a total of 5-6 days during the window, it will take several weeks to complete testing for all students in the county. Some of the tests are computer-adaptive in nature, which means the questions are adapted to the students’ level of knowledge. The tests are not timed, allowing each child to test at his or her own pace. Schools will take steps to minimize the impact that testing will have on instructional time which may include modified schedules for middle and high school students. “I really want students and parents to know that this test is not a culminating event, but rather a measure of progress. Instruction continues during and after testing,” stated Vicky Cline, director of Technology & Testing for Greenbrier County Schools. Assessments provide valuable information to parents, teachers and students about where a student may need more help, as well as areas of success. Also, the results serve as a checkup on a student’s progress toward meeting the goal of being college or career ready by graduation. In addition, teachers use individual test results to guide their instruction. Parents are encouraged to go to http://wv.portal.airast.org/training-tests/ to review a practice test with their children. Parents can also: • Reassure their children that these tests are not the kind you “cram” for, but just measure what they have mastered in their classwork. • Assure their children that they have enough time to finish. • Have them read a variety of materials at home, including fiction and informational texts. • Involve learning in everyday activities. Mix math into cooking or shopping. Ask children to express opinions and to back their views. For more information, contact Vicky Cline at 304-647-6484.
