It is HSPE Time Again!

2012 HSPE TESTING SCHEDULE

Every year, as required by the state legislature, all sophomore students must take the High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE).  In addition to 10^th graders, all 11^th and 12^th grade students who did not meet standard on the 2011 HSPE will automatically be signed up to retake the exam in which they did not meet standard.  This test is an important measure of achievement for both your student and our school. 

Students in the class of 2012 must pass the reading and writing exams or a state-approved alternative in order to be eligible to graduate. Students in the classes of 2013 and 2014 must pass exams in reading, writing and one end-of-course math exam. Science is no longer required through the class of 2014. Beginning with the class of 2015, students must pass reading, writing, two end-of-course math exams and a biology end-of-course exam.

The HSPE reading exam takes one day, while the writing exam is two days. The HSPE testing dates for spring 2012 are: March 13-14 (Writing) and March 15 (Reading).  March 13-15 will be late start days.  All 9^th and 10^th grade students will be expected to attend.  The 10^th graders will be testing and the 9^th graders will be in their regularly scheduled classes.  All 11^th and 12^th graders who have not met standard will need to be at school starting at 7:55 to take the exam in which they have not met standard.

The math and biology end-of-course exams are going to take place June 5 and 6.  Those will also be late start days with testing in the morning.  All 9^th and 10^th graders will need to be at school 7:55 a.m. on those dates.

HSPE test dates are as follows:

                           Tuesday, March 13                         Writing, Day 1

                           Wednesday, March 14                   Writing, Day 2

                           Thursday, March 15                       Reading, Day 1

           

The school schedule for ALL students will be modified to accommodate HSPE testing.

FRESHMEN:

·   All freshmen are expected to be in attendance during each HSPE testing session.  They will be following their normal schedule starting at 7:55 a.m. each day.

ALL SOPHOMORES and JUNIORS and SENIORS NOT MEETING STANDARD:

·      All sophomores and juniors and seniors not meeting standard from the 2011 HSPE must be assessed. Those not tested will be scored as not passing the exams and “not passing” scores will be recorded on their school record.

·      Testing each morning will be from 7:55 a.m. - 10:35 a.m. Students not completing the test during a testing session will be moved to a different location and given more time to complete the test.

·      There will be NO opportunity for make-ups until August if any part of the test is missed for any reason.  

·      We must have 100% attendance.

·      Students need to be present for both days for Reading in order to receive a score.  Students who are absent for either day of a two-day test will not receive a score.

·      The HSPE Reading and Writing exam results will be given to students and parents in June.

JUNIORS/SENIORS:

·      Regular bus transportation will be provided to juniors and seniors at the regular time.  If juniors and seniors arrive at school between 7:55 a.m. and 10:35 a.m. they will be required to attend a quiet study hall or AP study sessions until classes begin at 11:15 a.m.

·      During the testing schedule, juniors and seniors who provide their own transportation may arrive on campus at 11:15 a.m. to attend their classes.

·      Students will not be allowed to “roam” around campus as this could disrupt the assessment process.

·      Students will not be allowed to visit other schools during this time (i.e., Jemtegaard, Canyon Creek).

SPECIAL JUNIOR/SENIOR OPPORTUNITIES:

·      Juniors and Seniors not participating in the WASL assessment will be able to take advantage of the following opportunities:

·      On March 13, 2012, the U.S. Army will be administering the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) to interested 11^th and 12^th grade students.  Students will be testing from 8:15 – 10:35 a.m. in the Career Center and must sign up in the Career Center in advance to be included in the test. This test is designed to help students learn more about themselves and the world of work, to identify and explore occupations, and develop an effective strategy in goal setting for post-high school planning. 

REMINDER FOR ALL PARENTS

Now, please pay careful attention to this last bit of information and rumor control.  Even though classes do not officially start until 11:15 a.m. during these upcoming assessment weeks, all 9^th and 10^th graders, as well as 11^th & 12^th  graders who have not met standard, are expected at 7:55 a.m. every day.  Attendance in planned activities and testing is mandatory for all except those 11^th and 12^th graders who have met standard on the HSPE previously.  For those students only, classes begin at 11:15 a.m.  It is during this late start that seniors and juniors have the option of coming to school late or as normal, using the time either as a study hall or for working in the library.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your son/daughter’s counselor at 954-3113/3114.