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.