West Middle mailed students' ISTEP+ results and Parent Invitation Codes for the Spring 2009 test.  Parents may view their child's actual test answers through the web site provided by the State of Indiana using the Invitation Code.

If parents have general questions about ISTEP+, they can contact one of the school counselors.  And, if their child did not pass the mathematics  and/or English portion of the test, West Middle suggests that parents contact the student's mathematics and/or English teacher to identify how (s)he can improve with these skills.

West Middle School provides a free After School Homework Help Program.  This program is offered on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons from 2:30 - 4:00.  Homework Help Program applications are available in the West Middle School office.

An important goal for West Middle School is to help students to be successful in all of their classes this year while mastering state standards and essential skills.  Another goal is to help students pass the 2010 ISTEP+ test, which will be March 1-10 and April 26-May 5.  The staff at West Middle School believes that if parents and teachers work together with students, they will be more encouraged to make education a priority in life.

If a parent would like to discuss their child's educational plan for the remainder of the 2009-10 school year, they should  contact Ms. Lipps at West Middle School, 812-342-6628. 

Common questions about ISTEP+

1. • The Indiana Statewide Testing for Education Progress-Plus (or ISTEP+) measures what students know and are able to do at each grade level in core academic subjects.
2. • Based on Indiana’s Academic Standards, ISTEP+ provides a learning check-up designed to make sure students are on track and to signal whether they need extra help.

1. • For the 2009-2010 school year, students will take ISTEP+ in the spring.
2. • The tests will be given in two parts. Part one, which includes essay and short answer questions, will be given from March 1-10. Part two, which includes multiple choice questions, will be given from April 26 to May 5.

 Based on Indiana’s Academic Standards, the spring ISTEP+ covers:              

1. • English/language arts in grades 3-8
2. • Mathematics in grades 3-8
3. • Science in grades 5 and 7
4. • Science in grades 4 and 6
5. • Social studies in grades 5 and 7

1. • Every student tested receives a comprehensive individual Student Report showing student performance in terms of Pass+, Pass or Did Not Pass.
2. • Families of students in all tested grade levels will have access to a copy of the student’s short answer and essay responses. Contact your local school for more information.

1. • Results for the spring 2009 ISTEP+ have been mailed to parents.
2. • The results for the spring 2010 ISTEP+ will be mailed to parents as soon as they are available.

1. • Students who do not pass ISTEP+ are entitled to extra help and instructional time to address any areas of need.
2. • Ask your teacher and guidance counselors about extra help in areas that you didn’t pass.

1. • Several testing accommodations are available for students with disabilities or limited English proficiency, such as additional time and changes in test scheduling, format and setting.
2. • Talk to your parents and guidance counselors about the specific accommodations in your Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan or Individual Learning Program (ILP).

1. • Talk to teachers and counselors at your school.
2. • Visit www.doe.in.gov/istep or call 1-888-54-ISTEP.
3. • Visit www.learnmoreindiana.org or call 1-800-992-2076.

ISTEP + Test Preparation

  ISTEP+ is very important for West Middle School students.  The test is used in helping to determine if:

· Students’ scores meet state standards.

· Students should be promoted.

· Students should be recommended for remediation and special programs, such as Saturday School and After-school Homework Help.

· Students should be recommended for placement in academic classes.

· Our school meets state standards.

· Our school qualifies for extra state funding.

Please refrain from scheduling any appointments or vacations during the week of ISTEP+ testing.

The Indiana Department of Education has parent and student guides available through their website.  The guides give helpful information about preparing your student for the test.  The guides also explain the type of skills used during the testing process.  The website is accessible by using the following address: http://www.doe.state.in.us. 

Beginning the first week of school, West Middle School staff members will be actively preparing students to take and pass the ISTEP+ test.  All students will be participating in ISTEP+ preparation activities in their success, math and language arts classes.

West Middle School strongly encourages students to do their best on the ISTEP+ test.  Students are expected to read the test carefully and answer test items completely and carefully.  Students who give their best effort will be rewarded by receiving test scores that accurately reflect good effort and special incentives throughout the building.

Students who choose not to take the test seriously, or do not put forth serious effort on the test, will face consequences.  Students, who do not pass specified standards on the ISTEP+ even though they have adequate ability, may be required to participate in remediation programs or the Homework Help program after school.  Some may be required to participate in special Saturday School programs.  Others may be considered for retention.

ISTEP+ Suggestions for Success