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Standardized Testing

PSAT 8/9

Eighth grade students at BMS take the PSAT 8/9 mid-October and results are returned in December/ January.

According to College Board, the student score report is designed to both clearly summarize the student’s current achievement levels and to help guide and encourage appropriate next steps to increase college and career readiness.  It is used to determine if a student is on track for college readiness, evaluate relative strengths and weaknesses and to define their next steps in test preparation. 

The SAT Suite of Assessments (which include: PSAT 8/9 test, PSAT/NMSQT test, and the SAT College Admissions test) have slightly different test score ranges, however, it is important to note that each test is normed (compared) by grade level in their percentile scores.  For example, if a student is in the 59th percentile, then they scored equal to or better than 59% of students taking the test.

The total PSAT score shown in this report is the sum of the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section (score range 120-720) with the Math section (score range 120-720). The total score reported range for the PSAT/NMSQT is 240-1440.

Test Prep for SAT/ACT
The PSAT test will give an indication predictor for performance on the SAT test.  The SAT test is used for college admissions.  There is no need to take a “baseline” SAT test to see how your student will perform because the PSAT serves this function.  Students can begin test preparation for the SAT through the Khan Academy as detailed via the College Board account.  It is important for students to have a solid SAT (or ACT) test score by the end of junior year.  For college admissions, students need EITHER an SAT or ACT test score.  Both ARE NOT REQUIRED FOR COLLEGE ADMISSIONS.  So, the important thing is for students to use whichever test is the higher score (SAT or ACT).  

Next Steps:
Here are some helpful next steps for your student:
1.       Create a College Board account at studentscores.collegeboard.org and get your full PSAT/NMSQT score report. (Availble mid-December)
2.       Create a Khan Academy account and link it to your College Board account for free SAT practice.
3.       Use other tools like BigFuture, which are available via your online score report.

You may contact your student's counselor with any questions or visit https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/psat-8-9/inside-the-test 

MAP (Measures of Academic Progress)

Sixth and Seventh grade students at BMS take Students take Math and Reading tests three times a year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) and results are returned shortly after each testing session.

 

MAP Growth tests from NWEA® are unique in that they are adaptive tests taken on a computer or tablet. This means the test became more difficult when students answered a question correctly. And when students answered a question incorrectly, the test became easier. This allows students to take a test specifically targeting to their learning level. In addition, since the information presented on the test is aligned with the Bexley City Schools curriculum, it is the same information that students have already been exposed to in our schools.


MAP Growth results are represented as RIT scores. Like inches on a ruler, the RIT scale measures in equal intervals, regardless of a student’s grade level—and it remains stable over time. RIT scores enable teachers to recognize where to focus attention to optimize your child’s learning and to monitor their progress.


Please refer to the “Quick Reference Guide” on the back of your student’s results or visit https://www.nwea.org/map-growth/ for a more detailed explanation.

Ohio's State Tests

 All students at BMS take Ohio's State Tests each spring and results are returned the following school year.
 
All grades take testing in Math and English/ Language Arts. Eighth graders also take a test in Science. 
 
From ODE: "State achievement tests tell us how well our students are growing in the knowledge and skills outlined in Ohio’s Learning Standards. These tests help guide and strengthen future teaching so we can be sure that we are preparing our students for long-term success in school, college, careers and life. Test results also allow citizens to know how their local schools are performing compared to others around the state."