Elementary and middle school students will be tested in four subject areas next week as part of the new Palmetto Assessment of State Standards (PASS) exam.

All students in grades 3-8 enrolled in Union County Schools will take the new statewide PASS exam beginning on Monday, May 9. Students will be tested in English Language Arts (Reading and Research), math, science and social studies. All students in grades 4 and 7 will take the science test and the social studies test. Students in grades 3, 5, 6 and 8 will take either the science or the social studies test. PASS is designed to assess student weaknesses and strengths, as well as to see how many South Carolina students are meeting state standards. Results also will be used for federal accountability standards set in the No Child Left Behind Act.

The PASS testing schedule is as follows:

* Monday, May 9 — ELA (Reading and Research)

* Wednesday, May 11 — Mathematics

* Thursday, May 12 — Science test for grades 4 and 7; Science or Social Studies test for grades 3, 5, 6 and 8

* Friday, May 13 — Social Studies test for grades 4 and 7

* Make-up Testing — May 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 (May 13 is a make-up testing date for students in grades 3, 5, 6 and 8 only).

Preparation

In preparation for PASS testing, we ask parents/guardians to help prepare their children in the following ways:

* Make sure your child gets a good night’s rest.

* Encourage your child each day to eat a healthy breakfast.

* Make sure your child is present every day of testing. (Doctor’s appointments and other out-of-school functions should not be scheduled during testing hours.)

* Have your child arrive at school on time. (Classes cannot be disturbed after testing begins.)

* Send #2 pencils to school with your child on testing dates.

* Advise your child to read directions carefully and entirely before answering questions.

* Please remind your child to leave all electronic devices that can be used for communicating, timing or imaging at home (ie. Cell phones, PDAs, stop watches, etc.).

* Encourage your child to do his/her very best.

Thank you, parents and guardians, for the important role that you play in preparing your child for the Palmetto Assessment of State Standards Tests.

If you have additional questions, please contact your child’s principal.