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Preparing Your Student for the AIMS Test. Debra L. Cunningham, Ph.D January 25, 2011. The AIMS Test: Why is it important?. Graduation requirement Goes on transcript Ensures that students are receiving a quality education
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Preparing Your Student for the AIMS Test Debra L. Cunningham, Ph.D January 25, 2011
The AIMS Test: Why is it important? • Graduation requirement • Goes on transcript • Ensures that students are receiving a quality education • Makes students responsible for not just passing classes but really learning! • Scholarships linked to those who exceed the standards
What is the AIMS Test • Arizona’s Instrument to Measure Standards • Standards based assessment • Developed by Arizona teachers to fulfill a federal requirement • Owned by Arizona • Measures student proficiency of Arizona academic content standards in writing, reading, math, and science • Required by state and federal law
When and How Assessed • Grades 3 – 8 and high school • Some students may receive accommodations (SpEd, 504, & ELL) • Some special education students may qualify for an alternate assessment
Accessing Information on the Internet • Arizona Department of Education • Tucson Unified School District • Various websites specializing in test preparation
Arizona Department of Education • http://www.ade.state.az.us/ • AIMS Information Center • Information for Parents & Students: • Testing Results for Entire Schools • Tutoring Information • Information on Ordering Study Guides • Sample Tests
Tucson Unified School District • http://www.tusd.k12.az.us/ • For Parents • TUSD STATS/parent account: provides information on grades, attendance, and AIMS test scores for individual students • Parent Tips • Supporting Your Children During Test Week • Parent Links
Preparing for Tests • Ask your school for test-taking skill information • Utilize online test prep • Mark the dates on your calendar in advance • Make sure students rest well the night before and eat a good breakfast • If students are nervous, they can write out their fears in advance and “pack up their troubles”!
A well-rounded education. . . • According to research, a well-rounded education is best preparation. • Provide and insist on a quiet place for academic work/reading every evening. • Communicate regularly with teachers and school. • Be sure students attend regularly!
Think-Pair-Share • Think of three reasons why the AIMS test is important. • What are some resources available to parents, teachers, and students?
Requires an exceeds on all 3 HS AIMS tests (current 10th-gr students, only one chance) or exceed on two and a score of 3 or better on an AP exam or a good score on IB test 3.5 GPA or better and/or in top 5% of class Nothing below a B in any of your 16 core courses in English, math, social studies, science, and modern languages May retake courses to improve your grade; may use a high AP or an IB score to replace a course grade AIMS Scholarship, Current Requirements
AIMS Test Dates: Varies by level • Grades 3 – 8: month of April • High school level: • Writing: March 1st • Reading: March 2nd • Math: April 5th • Science: April 6th
Closure • The AIMS test is a tough reality we all have to face and take on as a challenge. • Multiple resources are available for students, parents, and teachers to assist in mastery of each test. • Using test-taking strategies, preparing with practice tests, and getting a well-rounded education are some of the best ways to get ready.