Preparing Your Student for the AIMS Test Debra L. Cunningham, Ph.D January 25, 2011.

Preparing Your Student Preparing Your Student for the AIMS Testfor the AIMS TestDebra L. Cunningham, Ph.DDebra L. Cunningham, Ph.D

January 25, 2011January 25, 2011

The AIMS Test: Why is it The AIMS Test: Why is it important?important?

• Graduation requirement• Goes on transcript• Ensures that students are receiving a

quality education• Makes students responsible for not just

passing classes but really learning!• Scholarships linked to those who exceed

the standards

What is the AIMS TestWhat is the AIMS Test

• Arizona’s Instrument to Measure Standards– Standards based assessment– Developed by Arizona teachers to fulfill a

federal requirement– Owned by Arizona– Measures student proficiency of Arizona

academic content standards in writing, reading, math, and science

– Required by state and federal law

When and How AssessedWhen and How Assessed

• Grades 3 – 8 and high school

• Some students may receive accommodations (SpEd, 504, & ELL)

• Some special education students may qualify for an alternate assessment

Accessing Information on the Accessing Information on the InternetInternet

• Arizona Department of Education

• Tucson Unified School District

• Various websites specializing in test preparation

Arizona Department of EducationArizona Department of Education

• http://www.ade.state.az.us/

• AIMS Information Center

• Information for Parents & Students:– Testing Results for Entire Schools– Tutoring Information– Information on Ordering Study Guides– Sample Tests

Tucson Unified School DistrictTucson Unified School District

• http://www.tusd.k12.az.us/• For Parents• TUSD STATS/parent account: provides

information on grades, attendance, and AIMS test scores for individual students

• Parent Tips• Supporting Your Children During Test Week• Parent Links

Preparing for TestsPreparing for Tests• Ask your school for test-taking

skill information• Utilize online test prep• Mark the dates on your

calendar in advance• Make sure students rest well

the night before and eat a good breakfast

• If students are nervous, they can write out their fears in advance and “pack up their troubles”!

A well-rounded education. . .A well-rounded education. . .

• According to research, a well-rounded education is best preparation.

• Provide and insist on a quiet place for academic work/reading every evening.

• Communicate regularly with teachers and school.

• Be sure students attend regularly!

Think-Pair-ShareThink-Pair-Share

• Think of three reasons why the AIMS test is important.

• What are some resources available to parents, teachers, and students?

AIMS Scholarship, Current AIMS Scholarship, Current RequirementsRequirements

• Requires an exceeds on all 3 HS AIMS tests (current 10th-gr students, only one chance) or exceed on two and a score of 3 or better on an AP exam or a good score on IB test

• 3.5 GPA or better and/or in top 5% of class

• Nothing below a B in any of your 16 core courses in English, math, social studies, science, and modern languages

• May retake courses to improve your grade; may use a high AP or an IB score to replace a course grade

AIMS Test Dates: Varies by levelAIMS Test Dates: Varies by level

• Grades 3 – 8: month of April

• High school level:– Writing: March 1st

– Reading: March 2nd

– Math: April 5th

– Science: April 6th

Questions?Questions?

ClosureClosure

• The AIMS test is a tough reality we all have to face and take on as a challenge.

• Multiple resources are available for students, parents, and teachers to assist in mastery of each test.

• Using test-taking strategies, preparing with practice tests, and getting a well-rounded education are some of the best ways to get ready.