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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August
28, 2002
State Board Offers Parents Tips for Back-to-School
Springfield, Illinois – As a new school year
begins, the Illinois State Board of Education reminds parents
and families that involvement in their child’s education
is vital to his or her success in school.
“Students need attention and encouragement from both
teachers and parents to do well in the classroom,” said
State Superintendent of Education Robert E. Schiller. “When
parents and teachers work together, children excel.”
Schiller said today’s working parents and family members
can be effectively involved with their child’s education
without actually being in the school or classroom. He offered
parents the following Back-to-School Tips:
- Know what your child is studying and what he or she is
expected to learn.
- Get to know the teacher and meet with him or her if you
have questions.
- Offer to review your child’s homework with him or
her and check to see if it is complete.
- Praise your child’s efforts.
- Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep and
has a nutritious breakfast every day.
- Read with your younger children each day; get them their
own library cards.
- Give your child a variety of experiences through trips
to museums or zoos, nature activities and community or neighborhood
events.
“Success at school starts at home,” said Schiller.
“When you invest time in your children’s learning,
you are investing in their future. Show them that how well
they are doing in school is important to you.”
Parent and family encouragement is especially important at
state testing time, Schiller said. “Children need to
know – through positive reinforcement, not pressure
– that their families want them to do their best.”
State testing dates for the 2002-2003 school year are:
Prairie State Achievement Examination (PSAE): April 23-24,
2003
For students in grade 11 in reading, writing, mathematics,
science and social science.
Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT): March 31 –
April 11, 2003
For students in grades 3, 5 and 8 in reading, writing
and mathematics. For students in grades 4 and 7 in science
and social science. Parents should check with the school
for their ISAT dates. Some schools are on spring break
during this time and ISAT is given during a different
two-week period.
Illinois Measure of Annual Growth in English (IMAGE): March
31-April 11, 2003
For limited English proficient (LEP) students in the
first, second or third years of a state-approved bilingual
education program. These students do not take ISAT and
PSAE.
Illinois Alternative Assessment (IAA): Portfolios due April
11
This portfolio is for students with disabilities whose
Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) state that other
state assessments are inappropriate, even with accommodations,
because of their disabilities. It is used in grades 3,
4, 5, 7, 8 and 11 in subjects that include English language
arts, science, mathematics and social science.
For more information on student testing, go to ISBE’s
Student Assessment website at www.isbe.net/assessment
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