Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination (WKCE) tests will be given to students in grades three through eight and grade ten, in October and November. It is imperative to have your child at school during the testing dates (actual testing dates will be included in the October newsletter).

During the days of testing and during the school year, please send your child to school well rested and nourished, which will help nourish their brain and enable him or her to have peak mental performance during the assessments and at school.

The following information provides you with a background on the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Website at http://dpi.wi.gov/oea/wkce.html: “Beginning in the 2005-2006 school year, the Federal No Child Left Behind Act required all states to test all students in reading and mathematics in grades three through eight and once in high school (grade ten under s.118.30 Wisconsin Stats). These tests are referred to as the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination (WKCE). Student performance on these assessments is reported in proficiency categories and used to determine the adequate yearly progress of students at the school, district, and state levels.

These standardized tests are designed to measure Wisconsin academic standards. The WKCE measures achievement in reading, language applications, mathematics, science, and social studies (math and reading only in sixth and seventh grades) using multiple-choice and short-answer questions. Students also provide a rough draft-writing sample. Total WKCE test time varies by content area and grade.

Beginning September 1, 2002, WKCE scores are used as one of several criteria for advancing students from fourth to fifth grade and from eighth to ninth grade. The other criteria are academic performance, teacher recommendations based on academic performance, and any other academic criteria specified by the local school board.”

Additional WKCE information is available at the Wisconsin DPI Website at http://dpi.wi.gov/oea/releaseitems.html, and study guide information is available at the National Education Opportunity Program—Marquette University Website at www.eop.mu.edu/study/.

For additional information regarding the WKCE assessments, please contact Mr. Patrick Fullerton, Principal, or Mr. Brian Matz, Associate Principal, at 822-6500.

(FYI: WKCE results will be available in late spring. The results will be forwarded to parents.)