The SAT-9 enables schools to measure academic performance and gives educators valuable data to help tailor instruction to meet the educational needs of all students.
"Our students are tested in the areas of reading, vocabulary, reading comprehension, mathematics problem solving, mathematics procedures, language, spelling, study skills, science, social studies and listening on the SAT-9," said State Superintendent Dr. David Stewart. "This assessment is used by teachers and school systems to measure academic progress of students and to determine areas needing improvement. The state's Instructional Goals and Objectives are aligned with this assessment."
Jan Barth, executive director, Office of Student Services and Assessment, said that "schools prepare students by teaching the West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives throughout the year; however, in the days preceding the SAT-9 administration, most schools review subject matter and prepare students for testing."
School systems will receive the assessment results at the county office within three weeks from the date the county test coordinator submits them to the West Virginia Department of Education.
In addition to school reports, each parent will receive a detailed report indicating his or her child's performance on the test. Dr. Karen Huffman, assistant director, Office of Student Services and Assessment, provides tips to help students prepare for the SAT-9.
Parents can help children prepare for the SAT-9 by:
- making sure that children have sufficient sleep so that they're alert,
- ensuring that children have a nutritious breakfast to start the day,
- encouraging children to relax by reassuring them that the test measures learning and will show strengths and accomplishments,
- discussing the importance of following directions, and
- encouraging children to do their best.