Spring 2021
Dear Parent(s)/Guardians
We are sending you this letter to let you know about the Forward Exam your child will be taking and to ask for your help to make sure they are ready to take the test. Thank you for taking the time to read this important information.
Background: State assessments, including the Forward Exam, are required by both State (Stat. § 118.30) and Federal ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) Law. One of our District’s highest priorities is keeping track of whether your child is learning what we are teaching and responding appropriately, whether your child already knows what is being taught or hasn’t yet mastered the material. We do this in many ways, including classroom assessments as well as the larger-scale standardized tests. This year students in the State of Wisconsin will take the Forward Exam in the Spring to measure their progress in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics in grades 3-8 as well as in Science in grades 4 and 8 and and Social Studies in grades 4, 8 and 10.
The state testing window for the Forward Exam is from March 22 through May 14. The exact schedule will vary from school to school, grade to grade, and teacher to teacher. You can expect to hear more details about this schedule from your child’s teacher and/or school in the coming weeks.
According to the Department of Public INstruction (DPI) and the company that produces the test, the Forward Exam can only be administered in person. Proctored, on-site testing ensures standardized administration that includes equitable access to technology and optimal testing environments, test security, and validity.
We are taking every precaution to ensure a safe testing environment. We are following procedures recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Department of Health Services (DHS) including social distancing, flexible schedules and the frequent sanitization of student spaces and equipment.
Students who are attending school in person will be testing during their school day. A representative from each school will reach out to families of students learning virtually to arrange a scheudle for them to test in person at school.
How can you help your child to be ready to take the test? Both your child – and we – appreciate your support in using the following strategies:
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Be sure your child is in attendance for the dates his/her class is scheduled to test.
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Please schedule appointments outside the school day.
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Have your child get a good night’s sleep the night before testing – at least eight hours is recommended.
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Have your child eat a nutritious breakfast including some protein on the days they are testing – research says this really matters!
Accommodations/exemptions: Students with special education or other special needs may be offered accommodations, or be exempted from some or all of the test. The decision regarding whether or not to exempt a student with special education needs is based on the student’s individualized education plan (IEP). In addition, alternate assessments must be provided to students for whom the state assessment is inappropriate.
With best wishes for a lovely spring and a fantastic end to this school year,
Melissa Pfohl
Director of Teaching and Learning
More information on the Forward Exam is available online:
Sample items: http://dpi.wi.gov/assessment/forward/sample-items
Student/Parent Pre-Test Brochure: https://dpi.wi.gov/sites/default/files/imce/assessment/pdf/Forward_brochure_for_families.pdf
