NE Common Assessment Program (NECAP) Comes to Manchester

NECAP was administered in October in grades 3-8 and 11 in Mathematics and Reading. Writing was assessed in grades 5, 8, and 11 at the same time. The three week test window began on October 1. Science is administered in grades 4, 8, and 11 each year during the last three weeks of May.

The New Hampshire Department of Education, Rhode Island Department of Education, and Vermont Department of Education have developed a common set of Grade-Level Expectations, known as the New England Common Assessment Program Grade-Level Expectations (NECAP GLEs), and test specifications in Mathematics, Reading, and Writing. Building on the success of the NECAP collaboration in Mathematics, Reading, and Writing, the states have also developed common assessment targets and test specifications for Science. Grade-Span Expectations (GSEs) for high school students in Mathematics, Reading and Writing have been developed for grades 9-10 and 11-12. The GSEs include expectations that are assessed on the State assessment and others that will be a local curriculum and assessment option. All GLEs and GSEs are incorporated into the NH Curriculum/Frameworks documents approved by the State Board  in June 2006 (http://www.education.nh.gov/instruction/assessment/necap/index.htm).

What does this all mean?  It means that students were tested on core subject material in a standardized test format.  All students, regardless of ability to read, write, or even if English is their second language take the test.  The results of the NECAP are used in funding programs for public schools, it also goes toward the school’s AYP (Annual Yearly Progress) and it measures if students are meeting their GLE’s (Grade Level Expectations) for their grade level curriculum.

It is impossible for a teacher to fully prepare students in a short period of time all the scenarios that may be tested on the NECAP exam.  For future tests, parents can help students prepare for NECAP testing by ensuring their students have plenty of rest, eat a well balanced breakfast and lunch, assure them not to worry about the test, and put their best effort forward.

For more information on the NECAP and about score interpretation visit the New Hampshire Department of Education Website at: Education.NH.Gov.

Athena Henchey is a licensed REALTOR® based in the Verani Realty,  Bedford Office. She covers the Auburn, Manchester, and Hooksett markets, and is a specialist in foreign language. For more information about Athena, to contact her, or view her listings, visit her agent page.

photo courtesy of albertogp123