Iowa Test of Basic Skills

What: The Iowa Test of Basic Skills (also referred to as ITBS)
When: November 1-12th.  We won't be testing all day, but try to do only an hour of testing a day.
Why: The ITBS is a standardized test which shows the school district how your child is achieving academically.  These scores are reported to the Department of Education as part of the No Child Left Behind Act.
Who: ITBS begins in third grade and will continue throughout middle school.

What do parents do?  It is important that the children get a good breakfast in the morning.  We are providing snacks for the testing, but a healthy breakfast will get them going!  (Mrs. Bender's room could use some more snacks - we have Mon.-Weds. covered for the first week and Tuesday of the next week.  If you could help, let Mrs. Bender know.)

Make sure your child gets plenty of rest!  They do try their best and will be tired at the end of the day.  Early bedtimes these next two weeks would be helpful.

Be encouraging!  The ITBS is a timed test and covers a lot of material.  Some of the material may be confusing for the students and they may be frustrated.  Encourage them to do their best and to stay positive.

Last week booklets were sent home containing information about the ITBS and some practice tests.  You may want to take some time to go over these booklets with your child to help them feel better prepared.