HUSD - San Tan

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Dear Parents:

Our state testing days are almost here! San Tan students will be taking the Stanford 10 (2nd grade) and state AIMS (3rd – 8th grade) tests on the following dates: April 12-16th. The following week will be AIMS make-up tests.

Stanford 10 Tests (Grade 2) These tests are multiple choice with students being tested in the areas of vocabulary, reading comprehension, math computation, math problem solving, spelling, grammar, and editing passages.

Monday through Friday, April 12 –April 16th: AIMS Tests (Grades 3 – 8) AIMS reading test contains multiple choice comprehension questions on both fiction and non-fiction passages. The math test is multiple choice and emphasizes conceptual understanding, problem solving, and computational skills. The Math test will measure the new Math Standards which have been increased in difficulty from the previous year. The writing test is a writing assignment where students will be asked to write an essay or letter on a specific topic. The AIMS Writing Tests are not timed. Writing will be assessed at grades five, six and seven. Fourth and eight graders will also be taking the AIMS Science Test.

These are statewide tests that are used in all Arizona public schools. The tests provide the school with information that can be used to improve instruction and help teachers make sound educational decisions about each student’s learning. The AIMS Tests are now considered “High Stakes” tests, as beginning in the spring of 2006, students cannot graduate from high school without passing the tests and a school’s label is determined by the results of these tests. Testing is scheduled for the mornings during the days listed above, but afternoon sessions may be needed for make-ups. Your assistance and support is necessary for our students to do their very best and accurately show what they have learned.

   • Make no plans for vacations or appointments during school hours on testing days (listed above).
   • Make sure that your student is in attendance, on time, and ready to begin promptly at the beginning of each school day. Students
     who arrive late for school will not be admitted to class until the testing session for the day is complete. They will then be taking make-up
     tests.
   • Ensure that your child gets plenty of rest and eats a good breakfast each day during testing week. Students function best when they
     are well rested, have plenty of sugar and carbohydrate reserves, and are well hydrated. Students who get regular exercise also show
     improved performance.
   • Talk with your student about his/her strengths and the importance of doing one’s best. Let your child know that you believe in his/her
     ability to pass the test. Confidence is the tool students need most. Be your child’s cheerleader!

AIMS results are scheduled to arrive during the summer. Your help will go a long way towards bringing out the best in San Tan students. Thank you in advance for assisting our teachers in stressing the importance of the upcoming test and helping us to provide the best testing conditions possible. For more information about AIMS, including Parent’s Guide, Student’s Guide, and Practice Tests, go to the Department of Education website at http://www.ade.state.az.us/AIMS/students.asp.

Sincerely,
Maureen Migacz, Principal 3443 East Calistoga Drive. Gilbert, AZ, 85297 | Phone: (480) 279-7200 | Fax: (480) 279-7205