What is the WSAS?
The WSAS or Wisconsin Student Assessment System, is a statewide program designed to provide information about what students know in core academic areas (math and language arts for grades 3 - 6, with fourth grade adding science and social studies.) It's purpose is to provide clear expectations of standards for student learning.
What is the WKCE?
WKCE stands for Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination is one of the tests used to measure student achievement. It includes multiple choice and short answer responses in all core areas. The Fourth grade test also includes a writing piece for the purpose of assessing student writing skills.
What is the purpose of the assessments?
The assessments allow for statewide accountability. They provide information
*on students' academic proficiency,
*for curriculum and instructional planning
*to measure school/district accountability
How are the test results used?
Test results are used to identify low performing districts, to meet the federal Title 1 requirement of using high quality assessments on children's learning, to determine yearly progress in Title 1 schools, and to determine which districts meet the Wisconsin proficiency score standards. Beginning in 2002-2003 they are also used to determine advancement in fourth and eighth grade. Students must score at the basic level or above on four of the five subtests of the WKCE in order to be passed to the next grade level. (If students do not meet this policy, other academic criteria may be satisfied by the student for promotion.)
What scores will be provided?
The tests are norm-referenced and standardized. This allows a student to be compared to a national group. Wisconsin has four proficiency levels: Advanced, Proficient, Basic, and Minimal. Other data should be used, however, to get a complete "picture" of a student's ability.
Who is tested?
Wisconsin law states that students in grades 4, 8, and 10 take the WKCE. Students with special needs MAY have some modifications. The high school Graduation test is scheduled to take effect with the graduating class of 2006.
When does WKCE testing take place?
The testing window for the 2006-2007 school year is from the last week in October to the end of November. Each school district will set particular times for each part of the test which will be followed by all the schools.
How should I/my child study?
A practice book will be completed in class with your child's teacher. A pretest guide may be sent home with your child which has sample problems and more complete explanations about testing. Both will give your child a good idea of what the real test will look like.
What will I/my child need for testing?
Time to go over the pretest materials
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Several No. 2 pencils with erasers
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Plenty of sleep the night before
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A good breakfast
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A snack when arriving back home
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Extra hugs and encouragement
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Teacher Information for Testing-Grade 4
Materials to have on hand - ready to go:
NAME, SCHOOL, and DISTRICT should already be on the cover of the test booklets
No. 2 pencils with erasers
Pencil sharpeners
Punch out math materials
Scratch paper for math problems
Calculators - (for some parts of math)
Snacks & Water (optional)
Test Info:
Writing is - Descriptive. Students will write an expressive or informational piece that asks them to describe something with a purpose in mind. There are two examples of this in the Student/Parent Pretest Guide.
Teacher Test Memos:
Tests are to be LOCKED up when not in use.
We are not to teach to the test.
We should not show students or parents old tests.
We should not make overheads of past tests for practicing.
Each subject should be started and completed the same day.
Extra sample items for practicing as well as test taking strategies are in a binder called Classroom Connections.Tim P has a copy of this binder. There are also some websites from DPI for you to check out!
Any student who needs accommodations (EEN, injured wrist, ESL, etc.) requires extra care on our part. The accommodations need to be WRITTEN in an IEP or IAP (individual accommodation plan) before the first date of testing. These accommodations should be practiced AHEAD of testing so the student is familiar with them.
If a student becomes ill DURING a test, the test SECTION becomes invalid.
Students will not know every item on the test. Part of this is due to the grade level range of the test, and also due to the test not being completely aligned to our state standards (while our curriculum is...)
No highlighters, dictionaries, thesauri, math tables, word lists, and other reference materials unless indicated on an IEP/IAP.
We cannot read anything to students, unless the manual specifically states it. In the past our district has also not given definitions for words, but will agree or disagree if a student asks, "Does this word mean ___?"
If a parent opts out of the WKCE. Opting out hurts the school as the child is counted as "Not tested." Score wise, this is below the Minimal proficiency.
Still need more information? Contact one of us below! lastnamefirstinitial@portage.k12.wi.us
Peter Hibner
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Laurie Peterson
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Lori Wallace
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Tammy Cummings
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Margaret Dolde
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Robin Kvalo
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Helpful Websites
DPI
Test Taking Skills and Strategies
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