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Research, Testing, and Accountability
Welcome
Welcome
Jody Penland,
Director of Research, Testing, Accountability, and Federal Programs

The ultimate goal of the Department is to enhance teaching and learning by providing stakeholders with information and data essential to making informed decisions necessary to facilitate student achievement.

The Department of Research, Testing and Accountability offers support to the school leaders and district personnel by providing data, professional development, and training with the intent to better inform data-driven decisions. Throughout the year, the Department facilitates processes to meet internal and external accountability measures.

Other departmental functions include ensuring the effective implementation of the district’s testing program. We provide training and support for district and state assessments, test security, as well as compliance with all testing regulations.

Test Taking Tips for Parents

about 1 year ago

Test Taking Tips for Parents


Test Taking Tips for Parents

 

The following tips will provide suggestions for parents on how to approach test taking with their children.

 

-Make sure that your child does all their homework and reading assignments, this will help make sure your child is prepared for the test.

 

-Encourage your child to space out their studying and homework assignments so that they won't be forced to cram on the night before the test.

 

-If you are anxious about your child's test, it's ok but try to keep cool around your child, you don't want them to get anxious about their tests too.

 

-Encourage your child to do well but don't pressure him/her. You may stress him/her out. It is important for your child to stay relaxed for the test.

 

-Keep a positive attitude about tests.

 

-Provide a quiet, well lighted area with little distractions to help your child study efficiently.

 

-Mark down test days on your calendar so you and your child are both aware of testing dates.

 

-Make sure that your child gets enough sleep on the night before the test.

 

-Ensure that your child eats a healthy breakfast and avoid heavy foods that may make him/her groggy and avoid high sugar foods that may make him/her hyper.

 

-Make sure that your child gets up early enough so that he/she will be on time to school.

 

-Let your child relax for a few hours before bedtime, it can be stressful for a child to study all night.

 

-Talking about the test with your child can relieve stress about test taking.

 

-If your child is struggling on their tests, talk to them about it and meet with their teacher to find out the best way to help your child.

 

-Praise/reward your child when they do well on a test or for their hard work preparing for a test.

 

-Encourage them to do better if they don't do well.

 

-Review the test with your child after they have taken it and go over any mistakes they have made and make sure that they understand what they did wrong and how they can improve for the next test.


By Dr. Ameca C. Thomas

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Laurens District 55 Data Dashboards

Student Assessments

about 1 year ago


Laurens District 55 implements programs and strategies aimed at helping students attain state and national standards.  High expectations are set and progress is evaluated based on the analysis of student performance data related to state and local testing programs as gathered by a comprehensive assessment system. 

National, state, and local assessments are a part of the district's complete assessment system.  Assessments include formal and informal measures.  Assessment data is analyzed and used to monitor student performance and growth, and drive the decision making process for curriculum implementation in the district.  

All mandatory tests administered by or through the state board of education to the students of the district will be administered in accordance with state law and regulations.   

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ESOL

4 months ago

Laurens County School District 55 supports the academic needs of our limited English proficient (ELP) students through various opportunities including pull out programs, push in programs, tutoring, and support for mainstreamed students and teachers.  

Upon enrollment, a home language survey is completed by the student or parent to determine if there is the influence of a language other than English.  This will identify any language other than English that are 

  • first learned or acquired by the student
  • used primarily in the home 

School guidance counselors (or staff assigned to duties related to enrolling students) in all school in Laurens County School District 55 will require the completion of a Home Language Survey which is to be signed by the parent.  If a parent is non-English or limited English speaking, a translation of the enrollment packet including the survey is provided to the extent practical.  

If a language other than English is identified in any of the Primary Home Language Survey responses, the student will be identified as a potential LEP student.  A language assessment is conducted by the ESOL teacher within ten days to determine language dominance and proficiency levels. 

               Useful for Teachers

By Kathryn Black

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