On Monday, March 9th we will begin PARCC testing at CIS for grades 3-11.   The PARCC assessments are new tests mandated by Federal law.  While some schools and teachers may see this mandated test as a challenge, we see it as an opportunity.  You can find more information about this test at http://www.parcconlineorg/.

CIS students generally do well on standardized tests.  This is a reflection on CIS students' and teachers' hard work and enthusiasm for the IB philosophy of learning and teaching.  IB emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills and deeper learning over fact acquisition and memorization. The PARCC test's focus on analysis and critical thinking in student learning presents an exciting opportunity for CIS students to rise to the challenge!  We are very proud of our creative and hard-working students and teachers and feel confident our students will do well.

One of the concerns from schools and teachers is the time taken away from teaching and learning during the PARCC testing.   We refuse to take time away from teaching and learning.  Therefore, CIS has opted to offer the paper-based exams to our students instead of the computer-based version.  Our students in grades 3rd - 11th, will take only one assessment a day, spending less than 1 hour and 30 minutes per day.   Students requiring more time will be provided extra time.  These options were chosen to minimize disruption to student schedules and maximize intact instructional time during the testing cycle.

Are students required to take the PARCC assessment in grades 3rd - 11th?

The short answer is YES.   Federal law does require that 95% of our students participate in the assessment.  Failure to reach the 95% threshold will result in our rating (school grade) being dropped one letter grade.  Our reputation for high expectations and high student achievement paves the way for current and future student success and in some cases federal funding.  Unfortunately, parent/student refusals to take the test could, jeopardize that hard earned reputation.

As a charter school we appreciate the importance of parent involvement and choice in education (and in fact, rely on it!)  We hope that you will trust CIS to balance the demands of testing and the instructional needs of our students appropriately. 

All testing will begin at with a Snack and Relaxation block at 8:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. All students in grades 3rd to 11th grade will test from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.  Time will be extended for students requiring additional time.