Testing
Some thoughts for the starting school year
Dear Learning Coaches,
We are so excited you have chosen to be part of our school organization. We need you to know that as a public school in Wisconsin, our students will be expected to take the state tests listed above according to your child’s grade level. As part of our charter, Wisconsin Virtual Academies MUST support all of our families in this mandated testing schedule, outlined by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI).
Our students also complete diagnostic assessments that support our teachers in personalized learning for each child. Students in grades 6th-11th will complete STAR testing requirements. Wisconsin Virtual Academies need to test 95% of our students.
Where will my child test?
Our staff will be arranging our testing sites for spring and will message out the exact dates of the cities/sites as soon as we are able. We will be requesting confirmation of your child’s testing site starting in January.
We use a testing program to match a testing site closest to your home.
With notification to us, you can switch to any of the other sites that are available to our students.
It is critical that you confirm as soon as you receive the confirmation email so we can ensure appropriate staffing at each site.
We look forward to meeting your family throughout the school year and are excited to be partnering with you in your child’s educational journey.
Action ITEMS for ALL Tests
1. RSVP - return to the email you received from Testing Nirvana. At the bottom, click the "Click here to RSVP"
2. ACT - Ensure your student has photo ID, #2 pencils and a calculator.
3. Forward - Bring a headset
4. Pack a healthy snack and water. All students are strongly encouraged to bring their own snack and a bottle of water. Please be sensitive to food allergies (avoid peanuts).
Test Taking Strategies for Parents
- RSVP & mark the dates on the calendar
- Get a good nights rest before the test
- Eat a good breakfast with your student(s) the morning of testing
- Choose clothes that will be comfortable and not distracting
- Review site location - directions and time it will take for driving
- Remind your child to do their best - words of encouragement
Testing Information from Jenny Bock, Data and Assessment Coordinator
If you have questions feel free to reach out to our testing coordinator: jbock@wivcs.org
Interim Testing
STAR360
Why do we take STAR? When do we take STAR? Where do we take STAR?
Pre ACT (Grades 9 & 10)
About
Aligned to the ACT test and the ACT College and Career Readiness Standards, that measures what students have learned in the areas of English, Reading, Mathematics, and Science. Scores predict how students perform on the ACT when they reach 11th grade and their readiness for college-level coursework.
This is a computer-based test that takes place face-to-face.
How to prepare
- We ask that you print and complete the parent contact form (link at bottom of S'more)
- A couple of sharpened pencils
- A lunch & a water bottle
We will supply the computer, mouse, and scratch paper. There are calculators embedded within the computer program to use when you can utilize a calculator.
If your student is bringing a cellphone, it must be turned off and not in eye site. The phone will be put to the side of the testing room. This is a security requirement for all state assessments.
Arrival Time: Refer to email from testing staff
Test Length
Testing begins promptly at 9 AM.
This assessment has specific timing for each portion of the assessment.
- 155 mins - 2 hours 35 mins (testing in a single setting)
- 10th grade students take an additional self-paced social studies assessment.
(IF your student has accommodations, they may finish earlier than the times listed above OR may need to schedule a second day to finish testing)
During Testing
In an effort to provide a quiet testing environment, adequate space for testers, and reduce the risk of transmitting Covid-19, parents will register student(s) in then wait in the main waiting area, off-site or in their vehicle.
Our staff will contact you using the Parent contact form that you completed when your student has started their last assessment.Attendance
On the day of testing, teachers are aware students will be out testing. They too will be out testing proctoring the exams throughout the state. Teachers will keep you updated on their schedule.
ACT (Grades 11)
About
Wisconsin high school students in grade 11 will take the ACT with writing® which includes Reading, Math, English, Science, Writing. The ACT is an in-person assessment that districts may administer on paper. Accommodations and EL supports are available in both testing formats. Scores from the administration of the ACT with writing (if taken with ACT Standard Time or ACT-approved accommodations) can be used by students for a variety of purposes including college admission, scholarships, and course placement.
How to prepare
Attend a prep ACT session hosted by our School Counselors. In the session, they will support you will completing the online non-test portion.
- Creating & registering with My.Act.Org
By setting up the account, you will have access to your scores online.
Student's will need to bring an acceptable form of ID. This could be ONE of the following:
- Driver's License
- Passport
- Temporary Driver's License
- Wisconsin State ID
- OR - A student identification form: Link to: Student Identification Form - ACT (for the ID form, no need to pay a notary. You fill student information, attach a photo and our staff will sign on the day of testing)
In addition to the ID, student's need to bring:
- An approved calculator Link to: Approved Calculator Information
- Several #2 pencils that are sharpened and have a good eraser - no pens or retractable pencils
- A small snack & water bottle
- Home address with zip code information to fill out on the answer form document when you come to testing.
If you are bringing a cellphone with you, it must be turned off and out of eye site - it will be put to the side of the testing room. ACT rules state that the phone may not be in the student's possession until the testing is over. If phone is in contact with student during testing, it will void all tests. Also, no smart watches or fitness bands. If you do wear a watch and need it for testing, you will need to take it off and place it at the front of the table where you will be taking your test. This is another ACT rule
During Testing
In an effort to provide a quiet testing environment, adequate space for testers, and reduce the risk of transmitting Covid-19, parents will register student(s) in then wait in the main waiting area, off-site or in their vehicle.
Attendance
On the day of testing, teachers are aware students will be out testing. They too will be out testing proctoring the exams throughout the state. Teachers will keep you updated on their schedule.