Proficiency Testing Tips

Criterion Reference Testing is required for students in grades 3-8. These tests entail assessments of both reading and math skills. Eighth grade students will also be tested in writing and science. As a school, we're held accountable for the progress of s our students, and all scores are documented. A minimum of 95% of students must complete these tests.

To assure our shared success, please use the resources on this page. If you have further questions, don't hesitate to contact Mrs. Dunlop, the K-8 Testing Coordinator, at 257-0578 or mdunlop@odysseyk12.org.

CRTs are required of students in 3rd-8th grades

Parents: Your students will be tested on reading and math for these tests. During the 5th and 8th grade years, students will also be testing on writing their writing skills and their science knowledge. The school is held accountable for the progress of these students and their education as documented by their scores. Additionally, schools MUST have a minimum of 95% of their students complete these tests.

CRT Testing: Students are scheduled by teachers February 18th-March 6th, 2009 for two seperate testing sessions.

Helpful Hints for CRT

Pay attention to course work and do the best that you can. Ask questions Be prepared on test day to sit for a long period of time Practice the exams, but do not "cram" The following web links are ways to study for these tests Bubble in an answer for all questions

Click here: to read some of these helpful hints that can prepare your student for testing.

Click here: to watch a power point presentation on myths about the CRT

Math, Reading and Science CRT help:
Click here and then click on the links indicated by the arrow below. This will allow you to view and print out samples exams for student practice.

Click here to download a .pdf file of the 8th grade science proficiency

Writing Proficiency for 5th and 8th grade: The writing proficiency consists of one topic that must be addressed in 28 lines of essay writing. Students are scored on a scale of 0-20. They are scored on the following elements: Ideas, Organization, Voice and Conventions. A passing score is 12 points or higher. NO scratch paper can be brought to the exam.

Click here to see information on the writing proficiency.  Scroll down until you see the grade appropriate for your child.

Click here to see an actual 28 line sheet that is used to write the response on for the test.

Click here to see an example of an actual 5th grade writing prompt from last year.

Click here for a "Frame" to practice the form of writing an essay. This is a four part frame, but if you would like to use a three part frame, then 'click here'.

Science CRT: Because this portion of the test is very new, the Nevada Department of Education has not released as much information to the public. Please click here, to view a rubric of the 5th grade science exam and click here for a rubric for the 8th grade science exam.