Connecticut Mastery Testing

Connecticut Mastery Testing

During the month of March, our elementary and middle school students, beginning in third grade, are involved in Connecticut Mastery Testing (CMT).  Our second graders will be administered the Degrees of Reading Power (DRP) assessment at the end of the month.  We administer one test each morning and encourage children to have a healthy snack prior to testing.  The regular testing days will be Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday with make-up dates when children return to school.  If children complain of illness, it is best to keep them home and we will have them make up the test when they are feeling better. 

The most important thing you can do is to make sure your child gets plenty of rest, good exercise, and proper nutrition.  We need to keep our students healthy so that they can do their very best.  Since our curriculum in Monroe is based on the Connecticut Frameworks and Standards, the children are being tested on what they have been learning through their elementary years (K- 3, K - 4).  This will help us monitor their progress and adjust our curriculum and instruction. 

Here are some tips on standardized testing from the Parent Institute:

• Take note of the testing dates on the calendar enclosed.
• Ask the teacher what you can do from home.  Notice the CMT review information that comes home with your child.
• Encourage your child to read.  The easiest and best way to prepare your child for doing well on tests is to read often!!  Take advantage of our reading incentive program – You’ve got mail – We’ve got books and turn off the TV/Nintendo!
• Make sure your child is well rested, well nurtured, and gets plenty of exercise.
• Don’t be too anxious – while we want children to take the tests seriously and perform their best, we want them to be confident too!
• Make sure your child is in school for the test, but if they are ill, keep them home and we will find time to make up the test.  It is much more difficult on the child if they become ill in the middle of the test. Please schedule vacations during school vacation days and try to avoid the month of March.

Did you know that a recent research study presented at the annual meeting of the Association for Chemoreception Services found that merely smelling cinnamon actually enhances multiple areas of brain processing and function; everything from memory to visual-motor speed to recognition to attention and focus?  In fact the results were so promising that multiple research studies underway are testing cinnamon for its potential effects on enhancing cognition for all ages.  You can sprinkle it on cereal, snacks, and warm cocoa for extra think power! 

Remember BEST = Breakfast, Exercise, Sleep, Test stressless . . . and perhaps try a snack with cinnamon for extra brain power!  J

We hope to get the CMT results back from the Connecticut Department of Education early next school year so that we can use the information to support your child.  As soon as the testing data gets sent to our district, we pass along the information to you and are available to discuss them with you.  The state testing, along with our district assessments, helps us tailor instruction to better meet the needs of our students and assist us in monitoring their growth and progress.

Susan Austin

Stepney Elementary Principal