Next week, the fifth graders will be taking the NWEA.  In preparation for this, I will send you a series of informational emails. The subject line will give you a hint as to what the action is that I will need you to take.  It’s important that you read through these emails and complete the “tasks” so your child will be set up for success.

Checking Your Computer for NWEA Readiness

Most students have completed the computer check in class. However, I’d like to have you re-check your child’s computer/ipad. They may use either. 

• Make sure they are logged in with their school login/password on the device
• If your child would like to use headphones, please check that they are in good working order.
• Please click on the link to check for Device Readiness
• Device Readiness Check
• Please send me an email with your child’s name in the subject line with the following information
  • If your child’s device passes, please send me an email saying “Yes! It passed!” You do not need to do anything further at this time.
  • If your child’s device doesn’t pass, please send me the email saying “No! It didn’t pass!” I will inform you of next steps.

Test Information

You will need to help your child sign in on the Zoom link correctly on their testing day/time. This information is in Schoology.

• Our students will be testing on Tuesday and Thursday next week.  
  • Your child will be assigned to group A or group B. 
  •  I will let you and your child know their group assignment on Monday
• There will be TWO testing sessions EACH day for EVERY student.
• When your child is NOT testing, your child will have activities to complete.
• Testing times/Testing Group Assignments are also available in Schoology under the orange folder for Weekly Schedule. 

• All Testing Materials (and activities for non-testing students) will be in Schoology in the Black NWEA folder.

Video and Tips for Success on NWEA

Many parents and students have questions about what the NWEA is about.  Please watch the video that has an explanation of the NWEA test (what it is, and also what it isn’t), how students take it, and why we take it.

NWEA Video

Mrs. Joachim’s Test Tips:

1. It’s very important that your child understands that there WILL be questions on the test that are hard and that they won’t be able to answer. 
   • I always tell my students, the test’s objective is to make the questions hard enough so that they get half right and half wrong. While this is not entirely what happens, it gives them a good idea for what to expect.
   • When they start to get answers wrong, the program adapts and provides easier questions until they start getting correct answers. This helps us to know where the “sweet spot” is for their learning goals.
2. Helping your child to answer any question is not a good idea.  It will not help your child at all.
3. If your child asks questions, tell them to do their best and eliminate the answers that seem “crazy” and choose from what is left. No one is grading them on this test.
4. Create a quiet space for testing. Be available, but don’t hover over your child.
5. Make sure your child has had a good night’s sleep and has eaten breakfast, used the bathroom and is ready to show how smart they are!