During October, children in grades 2 - 9 will take tests called Measures of Academic Progress® (MAP®). We give MAP tests as a measure of individual student instructional levels, to measure individual academic growth from year-to-year, and as a reflective tool on our programs in the areas of mathematics, reading, and language usage.
MAP tests are unique in that they are computerized and adapt to be appropriate for each child’s level of learning. When taking a MAP® test, the difficulty of each question is based on how well a student answers all of the previous questions. As the student answers correctly, questions become more difficult. If the student answers incorrectly, the questions become easier. In an optimal test, a student answers approximately half the items correctly and half incorrectly. The final score is an estimate of the student’s achievement level. As a result, each student has the same opportunity to succeed and maintain a positive attitude toward testing.
Over the next few days, your child will spend a total of about three hours completing these tests. Following the testing period, you will receive a report showing your child’s growth. For more information on resources for parents, we encourage you to download the Parent Toolkit here. The toolkit includes information on how the MAP is run and scored, as well as tips for parents to support their child at home.
The following is excerpted from the toolkit.
Ways to help your child prepare for testing:
Grades 2 -5 will test on the following days:
Grade 2 Oct 6, 8, 13
Grade 3 Oct 6, 12, 13
Grade 4 Oct 5, 7, 12
Grade 5 Oct 5, 7, 8
Test Completion and Make Up Tests for all Grades - Daily and Oct 14
MAP tests are unique in that they are computerized and adapt to be appropriate for each child’s level of learning. When taking a MAP® test, the difficulty of each question is based on how well a student answers all of the previous questions. As the student answers correctly, questions become more difficult. If the student answers incorrectly, the questions become easier. In an optimal test, a student answers approximately half the items correctly and half incorrectly. The final score is an estimate of the student’s achievement level. As a result, each student has the same opportunity to succeed and maintain a positive attitude toward testing.
Over the next few days, your child will spend a total of about three hours completing these tests. Following the testing period, you will receive a report showing your child’s growth. For more information on resources for parents, we encourage you to download the Parent Toolkit here. The toolkit includes information on how the MAP is run and scored, as well as tips for parents to support their child at home.
The following is excerpted from the toolkit.
Ways to help your child prepare for testing:
- Meet with your child’s teacher as often as needed to discuss his or her progress. Ask the teacher to suggest activities for you and your child to do at home to help prepare for tests and improve your child’s understanding of schoolwork. Parents and teachers working together benefits students.
- Provide a quiet, comfortable place for studying at home.
- Make sure that your child is well rested on school days and especially the day of a test. Children who are tired are less able to pay attention in class or to handle the demands of a test.
- Give your child a well-rounded diet. A healthy body leads to a healthy, active mind.
- Provide books and magazines for your child to read at home. By reading new materials, a child learns new words that might appear on a test.
Grades 2 -5 will test on the following days:
Grade 2 Oct 6, 8, 13
Grade 3 Oct 6, 12, 13
Grade 4 Oct 5, 7, 12
Grade 5 Oct 5, 7, 8
Test Completion and Make Up Tests for all Grades - Daily and Oct 14
Elementary PE Position
BIFS gives a warm welcome (back!) to Helen Young. Helen was an outstanding PE teacher at BIFS over the past three years. We are so thrilled that Helen could rejoin our community, as she brings a wealth of experience to our ELC and ES PE programs, and she has been an excellent contributor to our school community during her time at BIFS. Helen will be teaching the ELC and ES PE classes for the remainder of the year.
Social Events and Playdates
Social experiences for school-age children are important, and we encourage families to arrange opportunities for their kids to socialize in the afternoon and on weekends. We ask that all arrangements for playdates be made outside of school hours so as to promote an inclusive environment. Distributing invitations to personal/private parties and social events at school at any time is not allowed, unless all students in a class are included in the invitation. Elementary students will not be allowed to use school phones to arrange playdates during the school day. Thank you for your help with this.
Upcoming Events
September 28 and 29, Chuseok Holiday, No School
October 2, 2:35-3:20, Elementary Assembly
We will have a special classical trio concert by Gyuri's uncle, a professor at PNU, and former conductor of the Busan Philharmonic. Also performing will be Gyuri's dad, who has performed with various orchestras around the world. We will hear the story of their passion for music.
October 5, 9:15-3:15, Lower Elementary trip: Grades Kindergarten, 1, and 2 take a field trip to farm in Ulsan
October 5-19, ES MAP Testing Grades 2-5
October 9, Staff Development Day, No School for Students
October 12 - 23, Electives Registration, Registration for term 2 electives
Oct 14-16, Grade 5 Camp
Grade 5 travels to Seoul and the DMZ as a learning component in their unit, Who we are.
October 14, 9:00-10:00, Elementary Parent Coffee: The PYP and Inquiry-Based Learning
October 16, 2:35-3:20, Elementary Assembly: Hand washing and Flu prevention
Nurse and students will demonstrate proper hand-washing techniques and why it is important. We will also discuss flu season and ways to prevent spreading germs to others.
October 20, 8:30-4:30, Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
We will meet with parents and students in 3-way conferences to set goals for the year and look at progress so far. No regular school for students on this day, and no electives.
October 23, full day (exact times to be set), ES Soccer Tournament
Grades 4 and 5 soccer electives students only @ DIS. Permission slip to follow.
October 23, 2:35-3:20, Elementary Assembly
Grade 1 music students will present their mad pad or other videos of their rhymes that they have recorded.
October 29, 30, School Photos
School photos will be taken for yearbook and for purchase on these days. A schedule will be sent home to parents as the date nears.
October 30, 12:45-3:20, Halloween Celebration
The student council is planning a Halloween celebration. Details to follow. Please note that children must come to school in regular clothing and are invited to change into costumes after lunch. Parents are welcome to come help out!
October 30, End of Term 1 Electives