The sun is shining and teasing us with a taste of spring. This is a sign that it must be none other than the season of CSAP. Each year, 3rd through 11th graders throughout the state of Colorado sit down to take the Colorado Student Assessment Program tests in the month of March. This year, our 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students will show what they know on March 3rd, 4th, 5th, 10th, 11th, and 12th. The hour or two per day that students spend testing during the CSAP window may look and feel a bit different from their everyday learning, but it is important that we all approach these tests with a positive attitude. Each day of the year, our teachers are teaching to the Colorado State Standards – the very standards the CSAP tests are created to assess. Our students are prepared with the knowledge to tackle these assessments, and just like when gearing up for an athletic event it is important that our students are geared up and have the focus, energy and stamina to see through to the end of the tests.

The CSAP tests are designed to evaluate what a child knows and needs to learn in relation to the state standards, help us determine trends in what our student body as a whole knows and needs to know, and are used to rate the overall performance of schools. Teachers are assessing the academic progress of our students on a daily basis, to celebrate what they know and determine what needs to be taught. The CSAP is just another layer in this assessment practice – a public layer that evaluates how well schools are doing.

I believe that all of our students are equipped with the skills necessary to be successful on CSAP. With a positive attitude, we can approach CSAP as an opportunity to show the greater community what great learning happens at UPark. The tests are not the enemy, and it is my objective to ensure our students do not feel stressed going into the testing. So how can you support your 3rd, 4th or 5th grade student in getting ready for CSAP?

Here are some ideas (adapted from the Colorado Parent Information and Resource Center):

• Feed Them – Student brains need quality fuel. Students who eat a healthy breakfast have better focus and attention.
• Water Them – Encourage your child to stay hydrated drinking plenty of water.
• Get Enough Rest – Children need a minimum of 8 hours of sleep per night. Adequate rest leads to increased processing and sharpens thinking.
• Build Stamina & Independence – Provide opportunities for your child to start and finish a task without interruptions. Examples include: chores, homework, games, etc.
• Exercise – Physical activity releases ‘feel good” hormones in the brain to calm nervous energy. It relieves muscle tension and heightens alertness.
• Role Model – Model a positive “can do” attitude. Don’t be overly anxious about test scores, but encourage your child to take the test seriously and try to do his/her best.
• Keep Stress in Check – Some stress is positive, but stress can be overwhelming. Help your child manage stress – use positive self-talk, take slow deep breaths, avoid being rushed.

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