The one test that every student has grown up with has undergone a name change: CSAP will now go by TCAP starting March 5, 2012.
Artwork by Kiera Classen
So what is this new name? TCAP stands for The Transitional Colorado Assessment Program. The fresh moniker came about because the Colorado Department of Education is trying to align the test with Colorado standards. “They are trying to make it so the test will reflect whether or not the teachers are teaching what they are suppose to,” said Thomas Jefferson Test Coordinator, JoAnne Moreno.
No need to panic; the test will still consist of the same categories, and will still strive to assess students’ understanding of science, math, reading, and writing. “Students who have credits of a ninth and tenth grader still need to take the TCAP,” said Moreno.
March 5-8th 2012 is when the testing will begin. On March 5th, only sophomores need to attend because they will be taking the math section. On the 6th, both 9th and 10th grades will be required to go and take the reading/writing part of the test. The next day will also consist of reading and writing for both groups. The last day of the test, March the 8th, will be the math section for ninth grade and the science section for tenth grade.
All TJ students taking the TCAP are encouraged to do their best. “We want all the students to do really well because it is like a report card for TJ. We want students to reflect good things about our school,” commented Moreno.
To ensure good tests, teachers are now working with students and what good test taking strategies are. One of the most common tips that enhance test scores is to eat a good breakfast the morning before. Both ninth and tenth grades are assigned to a room during the first part of excel time on Wednesdays. In a way, it is like study groups for the students and is a place where a teacher helps them. “Some of those strategies would be how to read a question and how to examine the content of a question. The teachers also give them helpful tips on answering questions, like read the questions first and then read the content,” says Moreno. If a student doesn’t know what room to go to, they can go see Liz Buffington in the S.H.I.E.L.D center in Room 3.
The light at the end of the tunnel during that week will be the TCAP carnival. On Friday the 9th, TJ will be hosting a carnival to celebrate the end of testing. The festivities will start at 1:30 in the afternoon and go until the end of school. “Students that had perfect attendance during the testing will get in for free. Upper classmen and others who don’t get free tickets can buy them for one dollar the week before. We want this year’s carnival to be better than last year’s, so I am going to get some fun things together,” said Moreno. So far, there will be cookies, banana splits, popcorn, and many more goodies. There will also be musical chairs, and walk the plank is being discussed.
So Spartans, take the test seriously and go to your assigned classroom to receive helpful tips from teachers. It is only for the first part of excel and will help scores. Be sure to bring #2 pencils on test day and get a good night of sleep. The testing will all be worth it at the end of the week when TJ can celebrate together with some food and activities!
Overview: Freshman students will be taking the TCAP test on Tuesday, March 6, Wednesday, March 7 and Thursday, March 8 from 7:30-11:30 am. There is no school for them on Monday, nor in the afternoons. Friday, March 9 will be a regular schedule from 7:30-2:45. Sophomore students will test on Monday, March 5-Friday March 8 from 7:30 -11:30 with no school in the afternoon and a regular schedule on Friday March 9. Junior and Senior students do not have classes from Monday, March 5 through Thursday, March 8 unless they are participating in a special session and have been notified by their teacher. Friday, March 9 juniors and seniors are expected to attend and it will be a regular schedule.
