Dear Parents,

Thank you so much for allowing us to partner with you in the job of educating your student.  Every day we as educators work to use every minute of your child’s time to improve their skills and knowledge so that they will be well prepared and able to make an informed decision to either continue their education or to enter the world of work. 

Since the first day of school, students have been working hard to learn, master and apply the state standards.  Teachers have identified and worked to improve weaknesses, and they have celebrated student strengths.  There is still much to learn before the state assessment in March.  Please help us to maximize the learning of all students by encouraging your child to come to school focused, ready to learn and work. 

As teachers and students return from break refreshed and re-energized, we remember that we can accomplish much more together than we can individually.  We also remember that we have a limited amount of time to help our students learn and apply what they will need in order to successfully move to the next grade level. 

We, the Risley staff, continue to be committed to setting high academic and behavioral expectations and to working hard as we strive to educate every student.  Thanks again for your, support.  If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact your student’s teacher, counselor or principal.

Sincerely,

The Risley Staff

The TCAP is Coming in March!!!!

What is the TCAP?

TCAP (The Transitional Colorado Assessment Program) formerly known as CSAP is the state of Colorado assessment designed to measure how every student measures up to grade level standards in the areas of reading, math and 8^th grade science.

Why is it important?

Students are taught specific skills and knowledge that will help them become a well-developed, competitive adult in an ever changing world.  What they are taught at each grade level is just part of what they will need to know and be able to do by the time they leave high school.  Every grade level builds on the grade before it.  When students don’t master the skills and knowledge of their current grade level, they struggle and are behind when they move to the next.

How can I help my student?

Help your student to understand that the state assessment is a great indicator as to how they are performing in the classroom.  Classroom skills for each grade level build on the next and all of the skills combine and will ultimately affect a student’s academic growth and their future job choices.  Encourage your student to take the assessment seriously and to do his or her best every day.

How do I know how my student is performing?

Every student’s abilities are divided into the following four categories:

Advanced Proficient:  Student is performing above grade level.  The student has mastered the skills and knowledge for that subject at that grade level.

Proficient:  Student is performing at grade level.  The student has mastered the skills and the knowledge for that subject at that grade level.

Partially Proficient:  Student is not performing at grade level in all areas.   Student has not mastered some of the skills and knowledge for that subject at that grade level.

Unsatisfactory:  Student is not performing at grade level in all areas.  Student has not mastered the skills and the knowledge for that subject at that grade level.

*If you would like to know more about the TCAP, please click on the link below.

http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdeassess/index_TCAP.html

TCAP Questions To Consider

How did my student perform on the state assessment last year?

How can I help my student if he or she is partially proficient or unsatisfactory?

How can I help my student maintain or improve if he or she is proficient or advanced proficient?

What happens when unsatisfactory or partially proficient students advance from grade to grade?

Jobs That Require Employees to Take a Test

Teacher                                                                Counselor

Policeman                                                          Secretary

Electrician                                                           Plumber

Lawyer                                                                 Judge

Fireman                                                               Engineer

Pediatrician                                                       Dentist

Chemist                                                               Architect

Pharmacist                                                         Accountant

Beautician                                                          Massage Therapist

Pilot                                                                      Welder

Mechanic                                                            Athletic Trainer

Certified Nurse Assistant                             Nurse

Veterinarian                                                      Social Worker

Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Special Forces

Aerobics Instructor                                         Speech Therapist

Psychologist                                                      Basketball Referee                                        

Professional Athlete (It is called tryouts.)