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ment.  The test was designed to establish high expectations, identify students who may need extra help, help school identify ways to improve curriculum, help monitor achievement, and improve accountability.  In the school year 2014-2015, the DSTEP will be replaced by the Smarter Balance Test. 
• The total time for Dakota STEP testing administration varies by grade and ranges from 4.5 to 6.75 hours.  Grades 6- 8 will test on April 3-15 and will take one test a day.   Grade 11 will test April 3-5 in the mornings.   If your child is absent during testing, a makeup session must be scheduled.
• In the fall, parents will receive an individual student report from the school explaining how your child did on the Dakota STEP.  The report will provide your child's scale scores, achievement levels, and achievement level definitions in reading, math, and, in some grades, science.  The Department of Education has defined four levels of student achievement based on scaled scores:  advanced, proficient, basic, and below basic.  The goal is to have all students perform at the proficient or advanced level.
• The Dakota STEP results provide one piece of information about your child's achievement.  To obtain a more complete picture, daily class work, homework, and other learning activities should be considered.    Parents and schools share the responsibility for educating children.  Everyone concerned, especially the student, benefits when there is a partnership for learning.  Students learn best when they know that their efforts are supported at home and at school.  Some of the ways you can help your child do his or her best in school include being a model, providing support, and staying informed. 
• The following contains a list of suggestions on how to prepare your child to take a test:
• HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CHILD TO TAKE A TEST
• REST       Get a good night's sleep before a test.
• DISCUSS  Help your child understand that a test provides a chance to show what a student knows about a subject and how the teacher can best help the child to learn.
• EAT         A good breakfast on the morning of a test is important. Test-taking uses lots of energy.
• SUPPORT    See that your child maintains regular study habits, but don't ask for extra study time for this test. It covers more schoolwork than can be learned in a few extra hours.
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• LISTEN  Listen carefully to the directions that are given for the test and follow

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