CMS Testing

Why Testing?

    First, assessment is vital element to a complete education.  Knowing strengths and weaknesses facilitates designing individual lessons and programs to meet the needs of all students.

Secondly, testing helps determine whether or not a particular lesson on program was successful.  Discovering what  works is as important as finding out when to try something new.

CMS Tests?

Star Math and Star Reading Tests

     Math and Reading teachers administer the Star Math and Star Reading tests at the beginning of each year. These tests are computer-based and reactive to each students correct and incorrect answers; when students begin to miss more difficult questions, the questions become easier, and the more questions a student answers correctly, the more difficult the questions are.  Chiefly, these tests determine the grade level at which a student is working.

For more information on Star Math and Star Reading Tests, click here.

Gates MacGinitie Reading Test

    The Gates MacGinitie Test assesses each students reading level at both the beginning and the end of the school year.  Similar to the Star Reading Test, a grade equivalency score is determined on site.  The main use of the Gates MacGinitie is to determine reading growth of each student after one year of instruction.  Like most tests, the results help students and parents determine progress and needs and helps the school determine effectiveness.

For more information on the Gates MacGinitie Test. click here.

Oklahoma Criterion Reference Test

    The Oklahoma Criterion Reference Test (OCRT) is a yearly assessment given to eighth graders to determine how well our students have learned what the State Department oft Education has determined the students should know by the ninth grade.  The test is broken into subtests which include Reading, Writing, Math, Science, U.S. Government, The Arts and Geography.  Although the writing test is part of the OCRT, it is taken a few weeks earlier and is often confused as a separate test.  The Reading portion of this must be successfully completed for a student to receive an Oklahoma state license. 

The OCRT is usually taken In February and March.  This early scheduling of the test allows for parents, students and schools to receive results before year's end to allow for future educational planning for the upcoming summer break.

ALL STUDENTS are required to take the OCRT, including special education students and English language learners.

For more information on the Oklahoma Criterion Reference Test. click here.

Tulsa Public Schools Benchmark Testing

    Benchmark Testing is a criterion referenced test with much the same goal as the OCRT.  It is designed, by Tulsa Public Schools (rather than the state), to determine how well the students are mastering the Tulsa Public Schools benchmarks.  These benchmarks are often aligned with the OCRT objectives and each group of goals serves to complement the other. Unlike the OCRT, however,  Benchmark Testing is done quarterly and the results are chiefly used internally for program development. Benchmark tests follow the Tulsa Public Schools pacing calendars, a chronological blueprint of the curriculum covered.

For more information on the Tulsa Public School Benchmark Testing. click here.

For Tulsa Public Schools pacing calendars, click here.