Dear Parents:
In May and June of this year, Grades 6 & 9 students throughout the province will write provincial achievement tests (PAT’s) in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Results from these tests will provide Alberta Education, school administrators, teachers, parents, and students with information about what students know and can do in relation to provincial standards at the end of the year.
Students enrolled in home education programs are strongly encouraged to write the achievement tests or an alternative assessment (Canadian Achievement Test CAT) that has been approved by the principal and reflects standards similar to the provincial achievement tests. The CAT tests are written in February/March.
There are a few differences between PAT’s and CAT’s:
PAT’s:
- Only Gr. 6 & 9 students take the exams (PAT’s are no longer used for Gr. 3).
- A parent may not administer the PAT exams. The parent may, however, remain in the room while a child is taking the tests. A relative, friend, or person residing at the same address as the student shall not administer the tests to that student.
- PAT exams must be written on the dates outlined in the attached schedule.
- Students do not need to write PAT’s in every subject, though it is recommended.
- PAT’s are not mandatory. Please let us know by March 31st whether your child will or will not be writing the PAT exams. The attached exemption form must be filled out and sent back to the office (mailing address and email below) in order to be exempt from the PAT exams.
- PAT’s can only be sent to students residing in Alberta.
- You will need to forward the name, address and telephone number of the Proctor supervising the PAT exams for your child(ren) to the NorthStar office by March 31st. An information package will be sent to your Proctor.
CAT’s:
- Canadian Achievement Tests give a good guideline of where your child is at according to Canadian standards.
- CAT exams are available for students Gr. 1-10.
- A parent may administer the CAT exams. Unlike PAT’s, CAT exams can be sent to students outside Alberta.
- CAT exam dates are flexible and can be written anytime between February 1 and March 20th. Please let the office know by February 1 so that the exams can be sent and written in a timely manner.
- Completed exams must be sent back to the office before April 1 to be sent for marking. If they are not returned to the office by April 1, a late marking fee will be applied.
Neither PAT’s or CAT’s will affect a student’s final grade. Please let the office know either way whether or not your child will write the exam(s).
If you have any further questions regarding testing, please contact our office at 403-335-9587.
Email: office@nsaschool.ca
Mailing Address:
NorthStar Academy
#103-1001-20 Ave.
Box 2220
Didsbury, AB T0M 0W0
Blessings,
Emily Christopherson & Barb May
Administrative Assistants
403.335.9587
403.335-9513 FAX
office@nsaschool.ca