Standardized Testing

ACRE – Grades 5 & 8

ACRE is an integrated assessment tool providing faith knowledge questions (cognitive domain) and questions related to religious beliefs, attitudes, practices and perceptions (affective domain). A multilevel, developmental and age appropriate tool, it is used in grades 5 (Level 1) and grades 8 (Level 2).  Level 3 is administered to high school students.  All three levels of assessment are aligned to the six tasks of catechesis outlined in the General Directory for Catechesis:

• knowledge of the faith
• prayer
• liturgical life
• communal life
• moral formation
• missionary spirit 

High School Proficiency Test (COOP) – Grade 8

The High School Proficiency Test is an assessment strategy designed to enable the student’s high school admissions program of choice to measure the growth and achievement of the student, to date, and develop an accurate understanding of the student’s growth over time.
 
The purpose of the examination is to provide objective information about eighth grade students applying to the Catholic High School admissions program of their choice. The examination measures academic achievement in reading, language, and mathematics and contains additional material to assess academic aptitude and memory. Please note that Catholic High Schools also utilize effort and performance ratings from grades 6, 7, and 8, as well as previous standardized test results.
 
Additional information can be found at the Cooperative Admissions Examination (COOP) website.
 

MAP Growth Assessments

MAP Growth scores help teachers monitor student performance throughout the year by measuring achievement and growth over time.  Teachers receive data that drives daily instruction and helps them set goals for students. 

MAP Growth tests are unique in that they are a computer-adaptive assessment. The test adapts to a child’s responses in real time to measure with a higher degree of accuracy than is possible with traditional assessments. These assessments are shorter in duration than previous assessments, with many taking no more than 30-50 minutes total. 

Each school year, students in Kindergarten through Grade 8 will take the tests in September, February, and June.  A Family Report will be made available at the end of the year per the schedule set forth by the Catholic Schools Office of the Diocese of Paterson.