(Continued from page 16)

held in early April.  The Dakota State Test of Educational Progress is South Dakota's annual statewide assessment of student progress for science, administered each spring.  Smarter Balanced is the new statewide test which covers the areas of English-Language Arts and Mathematics.  Public school districts are required to administer the Dakota STEP/Smarter Balanced.  The Dakota STEP/Smarter Balanced Test is the assessment system for accountability used in South Dakota as required by federal and South Dakota state law. 
• The assessment provides critical feedback to educators, students, and parents regarding students' academic achievement and mastery of South Dakota's and Common Core academic content standards.  Dakota STEP/Smarter Balanced test results are not used in making grade promotion decisions or high school graduation decisions.   The Dakota STEP/Smarter Balanced assessment is composed of a battery of different kinds of test questions including multiple-choice, short answer, and essay subtests.  Questions are based on state content standards in science and Common Core Standards in English-Language Arts and Mathematics. 
• The Dakota STEP/Smarter Balanced tests were developed to improve the accountability of the state's educational system.  They also serve as one benchmark to measure student achievement.  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. 
• The Dakota STEP/Smarter Balanced 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
• Here are some things your child can do:
•  Here are some things you can do:
• 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

(Continued on page 18)