Reed encourages students, families to get ready for ISTEP+

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - With ISTEP+ testing beginning at schools statewide next week, Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Suellen Reed encourages Hoosier families to do their part to help students prepare. Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (or ISTEP+) begins September 15, so be sure to check with your school for local testing dates within the statewide September 15-26 window.

“ISTEP+ shows us what Indiana students know and are able to do, and families can follow some simple steps now to make sure our students are prepared to do their best,” Reed said.

Based on Indiana’s Academic Standards, ISTEP+ provides a learning check-up designed to make sure students are on track and to identify which areas need improvement. The test includes multiple choice, short answer and essay questions covering English/language arts and mathematics at each grade level as well as science at grades 5 and 7.

High school Graduation Qualifying Exam (GQE) testing will take place September 16-18. Incoming high school sophomores (class of 2011) will be the last group of students to take the current GQE that covers English and math skills through grade 9. Incoming freshmen (class of 2012) will be the first group of students to take the new GQE which consists of Algebra I and English 10 exams taken after students complete the corresponding course. For most students, that will be in late spring 2009. Visit www.doe.in.gov/istep for more details.

A solid academic foundation is essential to a successful future. ISTEP+ is designed to make sure Indiana students master the basic skills on their way to earning a high school diploma. If students don’t pass the test, that signals they need some extra help. Though the true preparation for ISTEP+ takes place throughout the entire year leading up to the test, students and families should follow the simple steps below to get ready for ISTEP+:

How can students get ready for ISTEP+?

• Be prepared. Cramming for any test is never the best way to prepare. Keep up with your homework and ask your teachers for help when you need it.
• Ask for help. If you’ve had trouble with ISTEP+ in the past, ask a teacher, counselor or parent about extra help now.
• Review. In the weeks before your test, take it seriously when your teachers review important information.
• Get plenty of sleep. Go to bed a little earlier so you get a good night’s sleep. Being well rested will give you an extra boost of energy for test day.
• Have a good breakfast. Eat protein (eggs, meat, cheese, etc.), which will help you perform better than a sugary doughnut. Too much food can make you feel sleepy, so don’t overdo it.
• Take a break. Get some exercise during your breaks or after school to keep your energy up.
• Double-check your work. Get in the habit now of double-checking your work and proofreading your answers on homework to be ready to find mistakes on test days.

What can parents do to help students prepare for ISTEP+?

• Stay connected. Cramming for a test rarely results in the type of learning that will stay with your child throughout his or her life. The best preparation is to provide consistent support for your child throughout his or her education.
• Know what’s expected. Read Indiana’s Academic Standards (www.doe.in.gov/standards) so you know what your child should know and be able to do, reinforce these expectations at home and stay connected to your child’s academic performance throughout the year.
• Check grades. Your son or daughter may say things are “fine” at school but don’t stop checking report cards, progress reports or, if available, your child’s online grades or class progress.
• Talk to the teacher. Teachers know how hard students are working, how well they are behaving, quality of their homework and what areas need improvement. Collect e-mail addresses or phone numbers of all your child’s teachers and check in periodically.
• Don’t buckle on homework. If your child is not studying at home, ask why, and double-check with teachers. It’s tough to hold the line, but making sure your child does his or her homework is important for academic success.
• Ask for help. Students who are struggling in a particular class may need extra help after school or with a tutor. Find out from your school where you can go for help and make sure your student gets the help he or she needs. Catching a problem area now can make a big difference.
• Go to parent meetings. Most schools offer parent nights or teacher/parent sessions that provide great information. Check your school’s calendar at the beginning of the year and plan to attend.
• Get involved. Nothing will have a bigger impact on your student’s success than your involvement in his or her education.

More questions about ISTEP+?

• Talk to teachers and counselors at your school.
• Visit www.doe.in.gov/istep  or call 1-888-54-ISTEP.
• Visit www.learnmoreindiana.org or call 1-800-992-2076.