Tuesday, March 29, 2016 

Dear LFHS Parents and Guardians,
 
Last year, the LFHS community successfully implemented the PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) examination.  This year, we are pleased to share some improvements to this assessment.  The 2016 exam has a simpler format to improve the testing process.  Also, this year's results will allow you to see how your child is growing in his or her knowledge and understanding of the state's learning standards that are focused on college and career readiness.
 
Based on valuable feedback from students, parents and educators, several changes have been made to the test administration, ensuring that our students will be positioned for maximum success with minimum disruption from usual routines:
  • Testing days have been reduced from seven to two
  • Testing windows have been reduced from two to one
  • Total test time has been reduced by 60-90 minutes
  • Tests will be embedded in the regular school day
The first part of the PARCC exam will only be administered to students enrolled in Algebra I on April 12.  This is a regular day of attendance for all LFHS students.  On this day, approximately 110 students will be taking the Algebra exam.  Again, this will be during the regular school day.  If your student is not enrolled in Algebra I, your student will not participate in the assessment.
 
The second part of the PARCC exam will be administered to freshmen enrolled in English I on April 19.  This will be a regular day of attendance for all freshmen taking the PARCC exam and juniors who will be taking the ACT at the same time. Buses will run as usual in the morning on April 19 and students are expected to be at school and in their classrooms by 7:50 am. The afternoon bus run will leave school at approximately 1:00 pm.
 
LFHS sophomores and seniors will not have school on April 19.
 
The PARCC exam is the official assessment for the state of Illinois, and all eligible students are expected to take the exam. It is important to remember the value of this experience for our students.  The results will provide the school district with information on student learning, ensuring continuous improvement of our educational programs. There is no State approved "opt-out" procedure. However, students may decline participation during the administration of the PARCC exam.
 
We strongly encourage students to participate in the PARCC exam as we believe having a positive test-taking culture in our school district is very valuable. Most importantly, your child's performance will help our school personalize teaching and enhance your child's learning.  The Illinois State Board of Education has indicated that results will be provided to students in June of 2016.
  
Sincerely,
     
 
Mike Simeck
 
Lake Forest High School | jmurawski@lfschools.net | http://www.lfhs.org
Communications Department
Lake Forest, IL 60045