Educational Testing in New Jersey With a Glossary of Commonly Used Educational Terms Standardized tests are administered regularly to most New Jersey students to improve instruction by determining educational needs. Test results are among the data used: To diagnose pupil weaknesses in skills, knowledge and understanding. To place pupils in a class where they will derive the greatest individual benefit. To assess effectiveness of teaching methods and the instructional program. To evaluate how good a job our schools are doing on a state and national level. The tests most used are: IOWA TEST OF BASIC SKILLS - is administered in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, and 10. It covers reading, mathematics, spelling, language, social studies, and science. It provides data on the overall achievement of an individual or group. COGAT - TEST OF COGNITIVE SKILLS - is administered to students in grades 3, 5, and 7. It assesses the pattern and level of students' cognitive development. There are separate scores for verbal, quantitative and nonverbal reasoning abilities. ESPA - Elementary School Proficiency Assessment- is given each year to 4th graders. They are used to determine if NJ Core Curriculum Standards are being met. AN INTEREST DETERMINATION, EXPLORATION, AND ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (IDEAS) - This test is administered to students in grade 7 to help them become more aware of the numerous occupations which are included in their interest areas. DIFFERENTIAL APTITUDE TEST - Administered to eighth grade students to determine a student's aptitude for both high school course planning and career planning. STATE TESTING - "Early warning" tests in Reading, Math and Writing are administered to all eighth graders. This battery is used to determine the basic skill levels of students under the Statewide testing program. HIGH SCHOOL PROFICIENCY TEST - Administered to students in grade 11. This test determines verbal, written and math achievement, and must be passed as a requirement to receive a high school diploma. PRELIMINARY SCHOLASTIC ASSESSMENT TEST (PSAT) - Given to juniors in high school to prepare them for the SAT. Measures verbal and numerical aptitude. Scores range from 20-80. SCHOLASTIC ASSESSMENT TEST (SAT) - Administered in grades 11 and 12. Measures verbal and numerical aptitude and used as part of the admissions procedure in approximately one thousand colleges. Scores range from 200 to 800. AMERICAN COLLEGE TESTING (ACT) - Administered in grades 11 and 12. Often used by college admissions personnel to help determine student eligibility for their institution. English, Math and Reading skills are tested. Glossary of Educational Terms Just as in any work environment a "culture" or "language" develops around the subject matter. It is evident in business, the computer and communications industry, as well as in the media. Education is no different. Following is a short glossary of terms and acronyms to help you sift through some of the more commonly used language. ACT - American College Test - A college admissions test which may serve as an alternative to the SAT for certain schools. AD - Athletic Director - responsible for organizing, scheduling and supervising interscholastic sports for the high school. AP - Advanced Placement - A designation given to specific courses at the HS which are taught at the college level. Students may obtain college credit if they achieve the necessary score on a special standardized examination. Articulation - Educational term generally referring to the coordination and continuity of curriculum from grade to grade and from school to school. Assessment Tool - A test. Capital Outlay - Money budgeted to improve the buildings and site. These funds cannot be used for general repair and maintenance. COGAT - Cognitive skills assessment test. Community Right to Know - Set of laws and regulations to protect employees in the workplace from hazards related to toxic substances. CST - Child Study Team - A team of professionals who identify, classify and provide an academic program for educationally disabled students between the ages of 3 - 21. Current Expense - Money budgeted to operate the educational school program for a year. Debt Service - Similar to a mortgage. Money borrowed through bond issues to finance school construction projects. Voted on by taxpayers. ESPA - Elementary School Proficiency - Assessment - 4th grade test to determine if Core Curriculum Standards are met. GEPA - Grade Eight Proficiency Assessment - Given in 8th grade to determine if students may be deficient in specific reading, writing or math skills. Formerly EWT. Heterogeneous Grouping - Classes made up of students of widely different abilities. Homogenous Grouping - Classes made up of students of similar abilities. Honors Course An accelerated level course at the H.S. A student's grade is given extra weight. HSPT - High School Proficiency Test - A State mandated test of reading, writing and math skills given in 11th grade. Students must pass in order to graduate. Inclusion - To the maximum extent appropriate, a pupil with an educational disability is educated with children who are not educationally disabled. IFL - Introduction to Foreign Language - A period during which German, Russian, Spanish, French, etc. are introduced to Jr. High or Middle school students. IOWA's - Iowa Test of Basic Skills - Standardized test used to measure student skills in math, reading and writing. LEAP - Local Education Assistance Program - HS students tutor students at the Jr. High or Middle School. Math Standards - The expected level of proficiency for math students established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Media Resource Center (MRC) - The school library. Mimosa (Rigby) Math - A manipulatively based K-3 math program to address established math standards. NJEA New Jersey Education Association - The New Jersey Teachers' Association. PDP - Personal Development Program - Trained HS upperclassmen lead small assigned groups to help with adjustments to high school. PSAT - Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test. PTO - The Parent Teacher Organization. REACH - Responsibly Educated Adolescents Can Help is a group of HS students who talk about substance abuse to younger students in a district. Resource Center - A room used for small group instruction where focus is on remediation and/or compensation for educationally disabled students. SAT - Scholastic Assessment Test - A standardized college admissions test. Supervisor - A member of the administrative team who oversees one of the following subject areas: Athletics; English/Media Resources; Foreign Language; Science; Student Activities; Social Studies; Mathematics and Guidance. Whole Language - A philosophy of teaching that puts emphasis on "holistic" learning. Skills are taught within the context of the "whole" subject, rather than isolated lessons.