DSTP
Delaware Student Testing Program
A Guide for Parents
Spring 2009
Purpose of the DSTP
 To
help schools and districts see if
students are making progress
 To
help the state know how schools and
districts are ensuring that students are
being taught the standards
Information taken from: Content Standards and Assessment in Delaware, DOE
What It Means For Your Child
 The
scores are reported for grades 3-10
with 5 performance levels.
 Grade 2 scores are reported with 3
performance levels.
 Teachers continue to focus on mastering
State Recommended Curriculum with your
child.
Performance Levels
Well below the
standard
Below the
standard
Meets the
standard
Exceeds the
standard
Distinguished
Performance
Level 1
Performance
Level 2
Performance
Level 3
Performance
Level 4
Performance
Level 5
PL1
PL2
PL3
PL4
PL5
Grades and Subjects Tested
Grade
Subject
Grade 2-10
Math & Reading
Grades 5, 8, 10
Writing
Grades 4, 6, 8 and 11
Science & Social Studies
Question Format
 Multiple
Choice
 Short Answer
 Extended
Response
Reading Sample
1.
Read the sentences in boxes 1
and 3.
1
2
Fox makes a
hole in the
ice
Question:
Which sentence goes in box 2?
A. Fox goes to the lake
B. Bear’s tail breaks off
C. Fox catches a fish
D. Bear’s tail sticks to the ice
3
Bear puts his
tail in a hole in
the ice
Quick Tips for Multiple Choice
Questions

Read the question.

Choose the best
answer.

Think about a
possible right answer.

If you don’t know the
answer, take an
educated guess!

Eliminate all answers
you know are false.
Text-Based Writing Sample
You are going to read a tall tale about a cowboy
named Coyote Bill. As you read, think about
whether or not you’d like to be a cowboy.
After reading the story, you will be asked to write a
letter explaining whether or not you’d like to go
on a cattle drive. You must use the information
from the story in your letter
Quick Tips for Extended Answer
Items

Read the entire passage.

Be sure to include information in your answer
from the passage.

Be specific in your word choice and use the
space provided.

Re-read and edit your answer and make sure
the question is answered properly.
Extended Response Sample Box4 points
Math Sample
Look at the drawing of a cylindrical water heater below.
How much
water, in cubic
inches, can the
water heater
hold when full?
Round your
answer to the
nearest cubic
inch. Show or
explain how you
got the answer.
Quick Tips for Short Answer Math
Items

Read the question.
 Be sure to list specific steps on how to solve the
problem.
 Re-read your response to make sure the
question is answered properly.
Math Short Answer Sample Box2 points
What can YOU do?

Be involved in your child’s school experiences

Encourage your child’s very best effort

Make sure your child attends school to take the
tests

Study the descriptors for performance level on
the DOE website
What Can YOU Do?

Make sure child is
well - rested – at least
8 hours of sleep.

Provide a healthy,
nutritional breakfast
for your child on the
testing days.
Interested In More Information?
 Call
the DOE’s hotline at 1-877-838-DSTP
 Visit
the DOE’s website for sample questions
at:

www.doe.k12.de.us/aab/sample_items/default.shtml
 Visit

Red Clay’s website at:
http://www.redclay.k12.de.us/StudentsParents/DSTP/DSTPIndex.htm