Whitson Elementary Kansas Assessment Program (KAP)
As a 3rd, 4th, or 5th grade student at Whitson, your child will be participating in the Kansas Assessment Program this year. Please see the schedule of testing weeks below. Please be mindful when scheduling vacations, doctor appointments, or other events to prevent your child from being absent during these testing weeks. Before spring break, your child’s teacher will share information regarding specific testing days/times.
Understanding the KAP
The KAP is a set of untimed, computerized tests in English language arts; mathematics; and science. The test content fully aligns to the Kansas College and Career Ready Standards as well as Kansas’s content standards. The Center for Educational Testing & Evaluation (CETE) at the University of Kansas develops the assessments. The purpose of the KAP is to provide parents, educators, and policymakers with a piece of information about student learning. KAP also meets federal and state accountability requirements. All students in grades 3-8 and 10 will take assessments in English language arts and mathematics. Students in grade 5, 8, and 11 will take a science assessment.
How can you help your child improve his/her KAP score?
Encourage your child to do his/her best on the assessment.
Talk with the classroom teacher about the ways to develop your child’s critical thinking skills.
Ask your child questions that require explanations and can’t be answered with a single word.
Establish time for your child to read and provide appropriately challenging reading materials.
Solve everyday math problems with your child using everyday materials. Have your child explain the solution to the problem.
Online resources to reinforce skills at home:
MobyMax - (Reading & Math) Free online program that assesses your child’s learning needs and adapts the program to fill in learning gaps. www.mobymax.com
Khan Academy - (Math) Free online program that allows students to learn and practice math skills. Tutorial videos can help parents understand how to help their child. www.khanacademy.org