Parent Information

State Mandated Testing Data

Current law and the State Board of Education regulations require the administration of criterion-referenced tests (CRTs), and norm-referenced tests (NRTs). ALL students are expected to participate in state assessments.

The state-mandated criterion-referenced testing includes the Benchmark Exams at grades 3-8, End-of-Course Exams in Algebra I, Geometry, Biology, and a Grade 11 Literacy Exam.

The CRTs are aligned to the state math, English language arts, and science frameworks and were developed by Pearson, Inc. Arkansas teachers, and the Arkansas Department of Education.

Norm-referenced testing, presently the Stanford 10, is administered in grades 1, 2, and 9 in reading comprehension, math problem solving, and language (9th only). The Metropolitan 8 will be administered to kindergarteners in the spring.

The dates for testing during the 2010-2011 school year may be viewed by clicking 2010-2011 Testing Schedule.

Qualls Early Learning Inventory

During the month of September, Bentonville elementary schools screened kindgergarten students with the Qualls Early Learning Inventory (QELI). (First grade students who do not have the QELI on record were also screen.) The six domains measured were: general knowledge, oral communication, written language, math concepts, work habits and attentive behavior. The QELI will be used by schools as a snapshot of the student as they enter kindergarten or first grade.

The reports for this particular test should be back to the district in October and will provide information to teachers and to parents on the child's starting point in school.

Target Testing

Bentonville Public Schools will use formative/interim assessments to gauge progress in grades 3-6 in math and literacy, grades K-2 in math, and grades 7-11 in literacy. Research has shown that formative assessment is a key component necessary for school improvement, especially in high performing districts such as ours. Use of the formative assessments will identify pockets of non-understanding and specific academic deficits in individual students. Results will assist schools in monitoring and in modifying curriculum with the district's goal being higher student achievement on state-mandated tests scheduled for next March and April.

For grades 3-6, the formative assessments have been developed for use by 13 of the Arkansas educational cooperatives. A pre-test, post-test, and three quarterly assessments will be utilized throughout the year. The interim assessments given to secondary students in literacy have been developed by The Learning Institute in Hot Springs. Testing will occur twice each 9 weeks. Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades will follow the same testing format as grades 3-6 with a pre-test, post-test, and three quarterly assessments in mathematics.

Benchmark District Testing Data

Benchmark Performance Categories:

Advanced
- Demonstrate superior performance beyond proficient grade level performance.
- Apply Arkansas established reading, writing and math skills to solve complex problems and complete demanding tasks on their own.
- Insightful connections between abstract and concrete ideas.
- Provide well-supported explanations and arguments.
Proficient
- Demonstrate solid performance for grade level and show preparedness for next grade level.
- Can use Arkansas established reading, writing and math skills to solve problems and compete tasks on their own.
- Tie ideas together.
- Explain the ways their ideas are connected.
Basic
- Substantial skills in reading, writing and math.
- Partial demonstration of the ability to apply skills.
- Show the need for additional assistance, commitment, or study for next level.
Below Basic
- Fail to show sufficient mastery of skills to attain "basic."

Advanced Placement Testing Data