Understanding Benchmark Tests

Each grade-level subject-area team at Sycamore Middle School used the state and federal standardized tests to develop a list of what we are calling the Essential Standards. Essential Standards define the information that our students must know to be successful at their current grade level and to have a foundation for the next grade. They are made up of 75% of the grade-level standards, divided into thirds.  The concepts are those that are most likely to be included on the standardized tests, and this ensures that your child has been taught the content standards prior to being tested.

At the end of each quarter, students take each content area Benchmark Exam.  Teachers use the results to assess teaching and learning objectives.  Benchmark test are given three times a year in your student’s English-Language Arts, science, history, and mathematic classes. These tests are a way for teachers to evaluate the progress of their students and assess if there are areas that need to be reviewed for individuals or the entire class.

The Benchmark test weeks are: October 29-November 2, 07, January 22-25, 2008, and March 31-April 4, 2008