Preparing Your Student Preparing Your Student for the AIMS Testfor the AIMS TestDebra L. Cunningham, Ph.DDebra L. Cunningham, Ph.D
January 25, 2011January 25, 2011
The AIMS Test: Why is it The AIMS Test: Why is it important?important?
• Graduation requirement• Goes on transcript• Ensures that students are receiving a
quality education• Makes students responsible for not just
passing classes but really learning!• Scholarships linked to those who exceed
the standards
What is the AIMS TestWhat is the AIMS Test
• Arizona’s Instrument to Measure Standards– Standards based assessment– Developed by Arizona teachers to fulfill a
federal requirement– Owned by Arizona– Measures student proficiency of Arizona
academic content standards in writing, reading, math, and science
– Required by state and federal law
When and How AssessedWhen and How Assessed
• Grades 3 – 8 and high school
• Some students may receive accommodations (SpEd, 504, & ELL)
• Some special education students may qualify for an alternate assessment
Accessing Information on the Accessing Information on the InternetInternet
• Arizona Department of Education
• Tucson Unified School District
• Various websites specializing in test preparation
Arizona Department of EducationArizona Department of Education
• http://www.ade.state.az.us/
• AIMS Information Center
• Information for Parents & Students:– Testing Results for Entire Schools– Tutoring Information– Information on Ordering Study Guides– Sample Tests
Tucson Unified School DistrictTucson Unified School District
• http://www.tusd.k12.az.us/• For Parents• TUSD STATS/parent account: provides
information on grades, attendance, and AIMS test scores for individual students
• Parent Tips• Supporting Your Children During Test Week• Parent Links
Preparing for TestsPreparing for Tests• Ask your school for test-taking
skill information• Utilize online test prep• Mark the dates on your
calendar in advance• Make sure students rest well
the night before and eat a good breakfast
• If students are nervous, they can write out their fears in advance and “pack up their troubles”!
A well-rounded education. . .A well-rounded education. . .
• According to research, a well-rounded education is best preparation.
• Provide and insist on a quiet place for academic work/reading every evening.
• Communicate regularly with teachers and school.
• Be sure students attend regularly!
Think-Pair-ShareThink-Pair-Share
• Think of three reasons why the AIMS test is important.
• What are some resources available to parents, teachers, and students?
AIMS Scholarship, Current AIMS Scholarship, Current RequirementsRequirements
• Requires an exceeds on all 3 HS AIMS tests (current 10th-gr students, only one chance) or exceed on two and a score of 3 or better on an AP exam or a good score on IB test
• 3.5 GPA or better and/or in top 5% of class
• Nothing below a B in any of your 16 core courses in English, math, social studies, science, and modern languages
• May retake courses to improve your grade; may use a high AP or an IB score to replace a course grade
AIMS Test Dates: Varies by levelAIMS Test Dates: Varies by level
• Grades 3 – 8: month of April
• High school level:– Writing: March 1st
– Reading: March 2nd
– Math: April 5th
– Science: April 6th
Questions?Questions?
ClosureClosure
• The AIMS test is a tough reality we all have to face and take on as a challenge.
• Multiple resources are available for students, parents, and teachers to assist in mastery of each test.
• Using test-taking strategies, preparing with practice tests, and getting a well-rounded education are some of the best ways to get ready.
