Teachers and students prepare as the annual test approaches.
Testing begins Monday and will continue through Thursday. photo by Rhea Boyd
During the week of March 2nd through the 6th, all Thomas Jefferson 9th and 10th graders will take the Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) tests. The test originated in 1997, and is designed to provide a picture of how students in Colorado are progressing toward meeting academic standards, and how schools are doing to ensure the learning success of students.
The CSAP week will consist of testing from 8:00 am to 11:50 am Monday through Thursday, with a test make-up day on Friday. Lunch will be served each day from 11:50 to 12:35. (Click here to see the full CSAP schedule.)
While CSAP week is going on, several other events will also be taking place. The afternoons will consist of Junior ACT registration Tuesday through Thursday (according to last name), along with Freshman choice of studies on Monday, and College/Scholarship workshops in room 5 Tuesday through Thursday as well. Also, Advanced Placement (AP) students will have morning seminars at the Hebrew Alliance Center Tuesday through Thursday. (Click here to see a full AP schedule.)
The CSAP tests are very important to TJ; the entire faculty takes it all very seriously. “Teachers have been working very hard with students to review their performance and set a goal for how they hope to perform this year,” said Principal Sandra Just. “So far students have completed two rounds of course assessments from the district to help us guide and prepare them for success on the CSAP.” During the weeks leading up to the tests, teachers add CSAP based material to their curriculum in order to better prepare students.
TJ always aims to excel on the CSAP tests, and with all the rigorous preparation students are receiving, this year will be no exception. “Attendance for CSAP is critical,” said Just. “We need everyone present and ready on time.”
To kick off the CSAP season, there will be a special CSAP pep rally today in the gym during fourth period for all 9th and 10th grade students. The festivities, sponsored by TJ tutors Waunetta Vann and Liz Buffington, will include a staff choir singing inspirational songs to the crowd.
