A major shift is underway in K-12 education! There will be changes in how school districts approach, administer, and utilize testing information to make informed decisions. This type of testing is known as Benchmark Testing. It is an important tool used to accurately pinpoint student weaknesses against the Georgia Performance Standards, or GPS. A benchmark is like a starting point from which measurements may be made. This is the way the school district measures students’ progress every nine weeks. Benchmark testing will allow the school to determine whether or not a student is progressing in his or her studies. If a student is having difficulties, this area of concern can be quickly and accurately addressed. The results of the benchmark tests will allow teachers to adjust their instruction to meet the students’ needs. It is the most efficient way to determine how a child is doing in school. Problems can be caught early, so that the child does not suffer from falling behind.

MCES will give 5 benchmarks a year. All students will be tested as follows: A pretest will be given at the beginning of school; Test 1 will be given at the end of the first nine weeks; Test 2 will be given at the end of the second nine weeks; and Test 3 will be given at the end of the third nine weeks; and a posttest will be given the last month of school. These scores will determine which students are placed in the Intervention classes for reading and math.

MCES has a new online program, Access2Know, which will allow the benchmark tests to be designed to match the units taught in the classroom based on the Department of Education guidelines. All subjects will be tested beginning with Reading and Math. The Math Instructional Coach, Debra Calhoun, and the Literacy Instructional Coach, Dawn Shepard, will also participate in designing the benchmark tests. The benchmark tests will help teachers, students, and parents assess the students’ progress. This will allow teachers to review what has worked with their students and what has not so they can re-evaluate and plan for future learning. Benchmarks will help students and parents know where the student is succeeding and/or needs extra help. Benchmark testing is one more tool to help the school and family work together to help students be successful.

If you have children in MCES, be on the lookout for benchmarks test results. You can always call your child’s teacher to discuss any concerns or questions you may have.