January 31st

As you have already heard, South Shore has been selected to represent schools across the nation by participating in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). NAEP, also known as The Nation's Report Card, is administered by the U.S. Department of Education. It allows educators, parents, and legislators to compare the student achievement of Massachusetts with other states and the nation.

The NAEP will be given at South Shore on January 31st. A sample of our students, selected randomly by NAEP, will be taking a reading or mathematics assessment. This test should take approximately 90 minutes for students to complete.

Our random list of students includes approximately 180 students. I met with the testing representatives last Friday to review the logistics of the testing. It is true that this testing will impact everyone in the building, mostly because students will be missing from your classroom or shop.

The results are completely confidential. This means that the names of students who take part in the assessment are not recorded on any materials that leave the school, and the students grades in school will not be affected in any way. No student, school or district results are reported and only statewide data is available.

The testing schedule is as follows:

• ·         Testing will begin at 8:00 am
• ·         All students who take tests under routine conditions will be tested together in a large group session.
• ·         The large group session will be proctored by NAEP representatives and supported by a couple of faculty members.
• ·         There will be 5 groups of students taking the test with accommodations. These students will be testing in the library and in the Guidance Suite. They will be proctored by South Shore staff members.
• ·         The testing should be complete by 10:00 a.m.
• ·         Students who are not testing will remain in their first period class until the testing session is complete.
• ·         Once the testing is complete, we will resume our regular schedule.

Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns about the schedule on January 31^st.

Please offer any students who are participating in the test your support and encouragement. When the testing list is finalized, I will send it out to you.

Thanks!

Margaret