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We get it. Most people don't like tests.

"Don't like" might even be an understatement but it's safe to say the thought of tests brings cold shivers more often than cheerful feelings.

So, while we understand that state-mandated, standardized tests might bring similar feelings for students and parents alike, we want to help you better understand the tests' purpose, answer some of your questions and, hopefully make you feel as good as you can about, well, you know, tests.

Standardized Tests...

HOLD SCHOOLS ACCOUNTABLE FOR PROVIDING QUALITY EDUCATION

DO NOT COUNT AGAINST YOUR CHILD'S GRADE

ARE NOT TIED TO SCHOOL FUNDING

What do these assessments do?

Standardized tests are important because the results give you information about how your child is performing towards grade level expectations. This allows you and their teachers to see growth from one year to the next and helps make it possible to identify their strengths as well as areas for improvement. The tests also show how your child is performing compared to local and state peers.

At 27J Schools, we understand the importance of accountability and transparency in education. These annual tests are a crucial tool in measuring the performance of our schools. By assessing student performance against established benchmarks, we can identify areas of strength and opportunities for improvement within our schools. This data-driven approach empowers us to implement targeted strategies and allocate resources effectively. We believe that by holding ourselves accountable through standardized testing, we can continuously strive for excellence and provide the high-quality education our community deserves.

This page is designed to:

• Help inform you about the role of standardized testing in evaluating school performance in 27J Schools
• Learn more about which assessments are given and when
• Find answers to the Frequently Asked Questions we hear most from parents about standardized testing.

Do schools have participation requirements they need to meet for assessments?

Districts and schools are accountable for meeting minimum participation rates in the state assessments. If a school or
district falls below a 95 percent participation rate for reasons other than parent opt-outs, in two or more content areas, (English language arts,
math and PSAT/SAT), then the district’s accreditation rating or school’s plan type will be lowered by one level. 

Lowered accreditation levels can lead to increased support, intervention, and involvement from the Colorado Department of Education. The intensity of support increases with each consecutive year of low performance. This could include:

• Monitoring and support for improvement
• Requiring a district or school to implement specific action plans to improve performance
  
• State review and district or school reorganization

Schools and districts with low participation rates for any reason, including student opt-outs, will be noted in the school/district’s rating in order to
provide transparent information that the results do not reflect full student representation. For example, a school that earns
a Performance Plan, but has a participation rate of 52 percent will be labeled as “Performance Plan: Low Participation.”

In addition to possibly causing lowered district/school ratings and additional state intervention, lower student participation provides a less clear picture of how schools are performing. This can delay our district from recognizing important changes needed to help schools be successful. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What tests are given?

English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA) Assessments

• Students in grades 3-8 take the grade level ELA assessment for their enrolled grade.

• Colorado Spanish Language Arts (CSLA) is an accommodated version of the ELA assessment available to qualifying Spanish-speaking students in grades 3 and 4.

Students in grades 9 and 10 take the respective PSAT while students in grade 11 take the SAT.

How much time is spent on these tests?

Schools create their individual schedules. The table below provides a general idea of how much time can be expected for each test.

When will I get the results of my child’s test?

Scores and proficiency level are typically uploaded to Infinite Campus in mid-August. Your child’s teacher will provide the report early in the new school year, typically during conferences.

Are state tests tied to school funding?

No. State test results are used for the State Accountability System which provides each school and district with a performance rating.

What happens if my child is sick during testing?

Your child would be included in a makeup testing session during the school day.

How do I opt my student out of state testing?

Any request to opt your child out of standardized testing must be submitted in writing to school administration. We ask that it be done at least one week in advance of testing.

What happens if my child has an appointment during the testing window?

Our schools give ample notice of testing so we encourage parents to schedule appointments outside of testing windows. If that is not possible, your child would be included in a makeup testing session during the school day.

What will my student do if I opt them out?

27J Schools policy is that we provide a safe, supervised environment. Practices vary by school, but silent reading in the library is one example of how your child will likely spend their time if opted out of testing.