THIRD GRADE OHIO ACHIEVEMENT ASSESSMENT PREPARATION

Third Grade Students and Parents,

Students: You are off to a great start this year, and I congratulate each of you! As you know, this is a very important year for you, as it is the first year you will be taking the Ohio Achievement Assessments. For all third graders, this means taking the Reading Achievement Assessment twice; once in October and once in May. You will also take a Math Achievement Assessment in May. Due to the Third Grade Guarantee, these tests (especially the Reading test) are more important than ever before.

We are helping you prepare here at school in several ways and will continue to familiarize you with the testing experience until the testing dates actually arrive, including the use of achievement and test prep items. Further, much of the classwork, quizzes, and tests given also mimic the types of questions you will see on the Achievement Test next week.

Parents: The ability to read is the foundation of learning. Research shows that children who are not reading at a third-grade level by the end of grade 3 are likely to have trouble learning in all classroom subjects in higher grades. Struggling readers greatly benefit from their families’ involvement and help at home.

Resources to help your child may be found at: http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Learning-in-Ohio/Literacy/Third-Grade-Reading-Guarantee/Third-Grade-Reading-Guarantee-Family-Resources

The first testing window at McComb is October 24th and 25th…next week! Please assist us in providing the best possible testing scenario for your child by ensuring you child gets plenty of rest prior to the testing days. Further, encourage a good, hearty breakfast prior to coming to school every day, but especially on these testing days. Finally, speak calmly with your child if/when the subject of the test comes up at home to relieve testing anxiety.

We are working together to help your child succeed.

Here’s to testing success!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Jackson and the Third Grade Teachers