St. Croix Public School District Prepares for Smarter Balanced and Next Generation Science Assessments and Announces Grade Level Protocols

The St. Croix Public School District is preparing for the annual Smarter Balanced and Next Generation Science Assessments, scheduled to take place from April 8^th to 12^th, 2024. These assessments play a crucial role in evaluating student proficiency in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science, while providing invaluable insights into student achievement and readiness for college and careers.

Students in grades 3 - 8, 10, and 11 across the district will participate in the assessments, which measure their knowledge and abilities based on grade-level content standards. Administered in a paper-pencil format, the assessments aim to ensure that students are equipped with the necessary skills to excel in the real world.

To facilitate the testing process, the St. Croix Public School District has implemented specific protocols for different grade levels. High schools will adopt a hybrid schedule, with 9th and 12th graders working remotely from home, while 10th and 11th graders will have an early dismissal at 12:25 pm to complete testing on-site.

Meanwhile, all PreK-6 Schools, PreK-8 Schools, and the John H. Woodson Jr. High School will operate according to normal hours during the testing period, with comprehensive testing protocols in place to ensure a smooth and efficient process.

Superintendent Ericilda Herman emphasizes the significance of these assessments, stating, "Our students consistently demonstrate remarkable proficiency and advanced capabilities on these assessments, showcasing their dedication to academic excellence. We are proud to recognize students who have exhibited exceptional growth, with several achieving between 195 and 200 growth points in English Language Arts and Mathematics on the 2023 Smarter Balanced Summative Assessment."

Here are the names of the top 16 students currently in grades 4th – 8^th, and 11th grade who achieved exceptional growth:

• Le’Shawn Auguste, Eulalie Rivera School (ELA)
• Golda Thomas, Juanita Gardine (Math)
• Syann Tyson, Ricardo Richards (ELA)
• Joel Guitia, Pearl B. Larsen (ELA)
• Ronald Hunte, Pearl B. Larsen (Math)
• Arriyah Ward, Ricardo Richards (ELA)
• Jahneyah Martinez, Alfredo Andrews (Math)
• Kinberly Jiminez, Alfredo Andrews (ELA)
• Javieliz Melendez, Alfredo Andrews (ELA)
• Caileigh Bannis, Ricardo Richards (ELA)
• Nykeem Eddy, Eulalie Rivera (Math)
• Sedrick Flavius, Eulalie Rivera (Math)
• Omiyah Constant, Eulalie Rivera School (ELA)
• Darnelle Phillip, Juanita Gardine (ELA)
• Kayden Theodore, John H. Woodson (Math)
• Sheldon Williams, St. Croix Central High School (ELA)

 

Parents are urged to play a pivotal role in supporting their children during this testing period. Superintendent Herman encourages parents to ensure that students are well-rested, nourished, and fully prepared to approach the assessments with dedication and focus. Their unwavering support is crucial in enabling students to showcase their competencies across all tested areas.

Commissioner Wells-Hedrington echoes Superintendent Herman's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of community support in empowering today’s learners to become tomorrow's leaders. With collective effort and dedication, VIDE remains committed to fostering a culture of excellence and ensuring every student reaches their full potential.

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Download press release here:  pdf PRESS RELEASE 0402 24STX District Smarter Balance Testing (158 KB)