Students scheduled to begin taking CRCT

The Jenkins County School System will administer the Georgia Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) April 17-27.

In grades first-eighth, reading, English/language arts and mathematics will be assessed. In grades third-eighth, science and social studies will be assessed. The CRCT is aligned with the new Georgia Performance Standards (GPS) and Georgia's Quality Core Curriculum (QCC), testing only content standards outlined in either the GPS/QCC.

The CRCT is designed to measure student acquisition of the skills and knowledge described in GPS/QCC. The assessments will yield information on academic achievement at the student, class, school and state levels. This information will serve a dual purpose diagnosis of individual student strengths and weaknesses as related to the instruction of GPS/QCC and program evaluation to gauge the quality of education throughout the state.

Parents may help in the following ways:

+ Make sure your child attends school regularly. Remember that tests reflect the overall achievement of your child. Time spent in learning situations increases the likelihood that your child will do well on tests.

+ Give your child encouragement. Praise him/her for things done well throughout the year. A child who is afraid of failing is more likely to make a mistake.

+ See that you child has a well-rounded diet. A healthy body leads to a healthy, active mind.

+ See that your child completes homework assignments. Homework supports classroom instruction and can help your child increase his/her comprehension of the classroom work.

+ Meet with your child's teacher(s) as often as possible to discuss your child's progress. Parents and teachers should work together to benefit the child.

+ Ask the teacher(s) to suggest activities for you to do at home with your child. Such activities can help your child improve his/her understanding of schoolwork.

+ Make sure you child is well rested on school days. Children who are tired are less likely to pay attention in class or to handle the demands of class work and tests.

+ Try not to be anxious about test scores. Too much emphasis on test scores can be upsetting to children.

+ Make sure your child arrives on time for school.

+ If your child wears an assistive device, such as a hearing aid and/ or glasses, be sure he/she remembers to bring it and wear it during all testing sessions.