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 2013 ISTEP+ test, which will be March 4 - March 13 and April 29 - May 8.  West Middle School will distribute students' ISTEP+ results and Parent Invitation Codes for the Spring 2013 test before the end of the school year.  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.

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 your child did not pass the mathematics  and/or English portion of the test, West Middle suggests that you contact the student's mathematics and/or English teacher to identify how (s)he can improve with these skills. 

If a parent would like to discuss his/her child's educational plan for the 2012-13 school year, you should  contact Mrs. Lipps at West Middle School, 765-342-6628. 

Common questions about ISTEP+

• 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.

• 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.

• For the 2012-2013 school year, students will take ISTEP+ in the spring.

• The tests will be given in two parts. Part one, which includes essay and short answer questions, will be given from March 4 - March 13. Part two, which includes multiple choice questions, will be given from April 29 to May 8.

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

• English/language arts in grades 3-8

• Mathematics in grades 3-8

• Science in grades 4 and 6

• Social studies in grades 5 and 7

• Every student tested receives a comprehensive individual Student Report showing student performance in terms of Pass+, Pass, or Did Not Pass.

• 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.

• Results for the spring 2012 ISTEP+ have been distributed to students and parents.

• The results for the spring 2013 ISTEP+ will be available to students and parents before the end of the school year.

• Students who do not pass ISTEP+ are entitled to extra help and instructional time to address any areas of need.

• Ask your teacher and guidance counselors about extra help in areas that you didn’t pass.

• 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.

• 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).

• Talk to teachers and counselors at your school.

• Visit www.doe.in.gov/istep or call 1-888-54-ISTEP.

• 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 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, follow directions, and answer test items completely.  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 offered remediation services or participation in the the After-School Homework Help Program.  Some students may be considered for retention.

ISTEP+ Suggestions for Success