TIPPECANOE MIDDLE SCHOOL
555 N. Hyatt Street, Tipp City, OH 45371
Dear Parents:
Beginning on Tuesday, February 17th, our students will be taking the new Performance Based
Assessment (PBA) that replaces the old OAA. These assessments are based on the new Ohio
Learning Standards. Math and reading are built on the Pearson / PARCC (Partnership for
Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) testing platform. All students will take
assessments in these two areas. Reading has three sections that will be given over three days while
math is a two section test that will cover two days. The sixth grade social studies assessment is a
single day test as is eighth grade science. Both the science and the social studies assessments use an
AIR testing platform for those tests. (PARCC and AIR are the organizations that have created these
assessments that Ohio will use.). Both assessments are computer based. The performance based
assessments will have students go beyond the recitation of basic facts. These tests will have our
students think at higher levels through analysis, synthesizing information, application of ideas, etc.
Beginning in April, students will then take the End of Year (EOY) Assessment. The End of Year tests
requires students to demonstrate an understanding of concepts and procedures as well as carrying
out short applications.
The student scores on the Performance Based Assessment and the End of Year Assessment are
combined to create a final score for each subject. These scores are not counted as part of a student’s
GPA or grade for that class.
It is extremely important that students are present during the days of testing. We are permitted a
very small window of time to complete all testing. PLEASE try to schedule appointments, trips, etc.
during another time if at all possible.
WHY ARE THE TESTS IMPORTANT?
The state and our local community hold the district accountable for test results.
Teacher evaluations in grades 4 through 8 in reading and math are tied to these scores.
Results can be used to help drive instruction in the classroom.
Individual results can be used to insure proper course placement for the following year.
Individual results can be used as a factor in determining appropriate grade level placement.
Test results are a reflection of our students, staff, and school.
WHAT HAS THE STAFF DONE TO PREPARE FOR TESTING?
Placed all state content standards on lesson plans each week so parents are aware of what is
being addressed;
Incorporated classroom writing assignments to reflect what students will see on the test;
Created new assessments modeled after state assessments;
Incorporated activities that were scored based on a state adopted rubric;
Provided intervention before, during, and after school to address student needs;
Remained positive with their students because they know the students will excel.
WHAT CAN PARENTS DO TO HELP?
ATTENDANCE IS CRUCIAL. Make sure students attend each day.
Make sure students are well rested.
Provide students a healthy and nutritious breakfast.
Remind students this year’s hard work will be reflected in their scores and their best efforts are
important.
WHAT CAN THE STUDENTS DO TO HELP PREPARE?
Make it a priority to be here ready for testing each day.
Get plenty of rest and eat a healthy breakfast each morning.
Relax. Be confident that their best efforts will be rewarded.
Be careful and use good test-taking skills such as:
 Pay close attention to all directions.
 Read the questions carefully before answering.
 Answer the questions that you know first, then come back and work on the more challenging
ones.
 When answering extended response and short answer questions. Be sure to stay on topic
and answer only what the question asks. Do not rush. You will have plenty of time.
 Check your work. Check to make sure all questions are answered.
 MOST IMPORTANT – RELAX – You have been working hard and you are prepared.
WHAT THE STUDENTS WILL NEED
STATE ASSESSMENT CALCULATORS
On the math section of the new assessments there are two sections. One section is a calculator-free
section while the other allows calculators to be used with certain limitations. Students may use
their own and we will have a few on hand but it is important that if they use their own it has to
meet the following requirements:
Sixth and Seventh Grade = Four function calculators that have square roots and percentages
Eighth Grade = Scientific calculators
High School Level Courses = Graphing calculator.
Students will not be permitted to use any other calculator but those listed above. Example: Even
though it has fewer functions, a student taking Accelerated Geometry will not be able to use a four
function calculator. They must use a graphing calculator such as a TI 85.
HEADPHONES / EAR BUDS
 There are sections of the ELA portion of the test that will require the student to
listen to passages or watch a video clip. We will provide students with headphones
but they are permitted to bring their own.
ITEMS WHEN STUDENTS ARE FINISHED WITH TESTING
 Students are permitted to bring books to read once they have completed the
assessment for that day. It must be a paper copy book. Electronic books will not be
permitted. They are not permitted to work on classwork that is associated with that
particular test. Example: On math day, they would not be permitted to work on math
homework after the test.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES
 Electronic devices of any kind, Kindles, laptops, cell phones, etc. will not be
permitted in the testing area. Cell phones will be collected by the teacher before
testing begins.
TESTING SCHEDULES
 Students will be tested in their class that corresponds to that particular test. Math
will be done in math classes. Reading will be done in language arts classes, etc.
When students are not in testing, they will follow their normal day schedule.
Because these are computer based tests, testing will not look like it has in the past
where students were placed in the individual rooms for five consecutive days. The
testing period ends the week of March 16th.
 Please check the teachers’ websites for specific days and times for tests.
PARENTS CHOOSING TO “OPT” THEIR CHILDREN OUT OF THE NEW STATE
ASSESSMENTS:
 Any parent that wishes to withhold their child from the new state assessments must
meet with the building principal prior to testing.
Below are some useful websites to review in order to better understand the assessments your
child will complete. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns you
may have regarding these new state assessments. This process is a new endeavor, and by
working together, we will encourage our students to meet their highest potential.
About the PARCC
http://www.parcconline.org/about-parcc
Tutorial/Practice Tests
http://www.parcconline.org/take-the-test
Here you are able to take a look at what the test will look like for our students. You can also take a
tutorial that explores the technology tools for the test. This tutorial would be good to review with
your child.
What’s Different?
http://www.parcconline.org/sites/parcc/files/oldvnew-middle_1.pdf
Our teachers are working very hard to instruct our students according to Ohio’s Learning
Standards. We have great confidence in our students’ ability to be successful on these new
assessments.
Staff and students have worked extremely hard making sure they are ready for these new
challenges. Thank you for your support.
Respectfully,
Greg Southers
Principal