In approximately two weeks, we will begin the process of testing our learners to see how they measure up with other learners in the state of Hawaii, as well as nationally.

While Alaka`i O Kaua`i Charter School does not believe that standardized tests are the only way to measure the academic progress our learners are making, we understand that these state and national assessments are one of many indicators of their progress. Alaka’i O Kaua’i uses multiple measures of assessment to determine the growth our learners are making both academically and social-emotionally including MAP (Measures of Academic Progress), the Comprehensive Growth Card, to measure social-emotional development, and other site-based assessments.  

Our first assessment will be the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), administered to our 4th grade learners only. It will be a one-day assessment. The test date is Thursday, Feb. 21. We have already sent letters to parents explaining the focus of this assessment. The next series of assessments will be our Hawaii State Assessments. They are called the Smarter Balanced Assessments, which will begin in May. These assessments will be given to learners in grades 3-5. We will be sending information home to all parents/guardians, with the exact dates of these assessments, as well as their purpose.

You play an important part in helping students give their best performance on these important tests. As you know, we have been busy preparing and reinforcing the skills necessary for students to demonstrate their learning. Even though the assessments are a snapshot—one single perspective – it is important that our students have every advantage to do their very best.

We don’t want to cause test anxiety, rather we want our students to be as prepared as possible.

The night before the test:

1. Make sure your child goes to bed on time so he or she is well-rested.
2. Keep your routine as normal as possible. Upsetting natural routines may make children feel insecure.
3. Be positive and confident in the fact that you know your child will do his/her best.
4. Plan ahead to avoid conflicts on the morning of the test.

The morning of the test:

1. Get up a few minutes early to avoid rushing and make sure your child arrives at school on time.
2. Have your child eat a nutritious breakfast. There is a strong correlation between eating breakfast and memory and cognitive functioning.
3. Have your child dress comfortably.  
4. Be positive and communicate that this is your child’s chance to show what he/she knows. The most important thing you can do right before the test is to build confidence about doing his/her very best.