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Madison Metropolitan School District

Aspire

Tuesday, April 12th, 2022

All MMSD students in 9th and 10th grade will participate in the ACT Aspire assessment on Tuesday, April 12th, 2022. The assessment will be given in-person, at East High School, during normal school hours, with no virtual/remote options available. To ensure an appropriate testing environment for the assessment, April 12th will be a 9th and 10th grade only day, meaning there will be no school for 11th and 12th grade students.

STUDENTS NEED TO BRING THEIR CHARGED CHROMEBOOK TO SCHOOL ON TESTING DAY.

MMSD NO LONGER OFFERS THE ASPIRE ASSESSMENT.  THIS HAS BEEN REPLACED BY THE PREACT SECURE.

Testing Day Logistics

View the Aspire Schedule to see what the day will look like. Below are some details students should know to make the day a success.

What to bring and not to bring

  • Mask

  • Photo ID

  • Charged Chromebook and charger.  Chromebooks should be charged the night before.

  • Absolutely NO CELL PHONES, SMART WATCHES, OR OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICES ARE ALLOWED, EVEN DURING THE BREAK.  Students will be dismissed from testing and score will be voided if cell phones are seen or heard.   

Prohibited Behavior

  • Looking ahead or back to other test sections.

  • Using an unauthorized calculator. (click here for calculator info)

  • Technology of any kind, even on breaks.

  • Disrupting others.

  • Alarms, phone rings.

  • Looking at others’ answers - CHEATING.

Dismissal

Students will be dismissed at the normal dismissal time of 3:39pm.

Preparation

  • Aspire Practice Test/Exemplar Items
  • Students should get a good night's sleep and be sure to eat something substantial before the test. 

  • Students should go to the bathroom BEFORE the test to avoid losing time during the test. 

  • Be calm and don’t stress - A test score will never define you!


General Test Information

For more information view this brochure (Spanish, Hmong) from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

What is it?

The ACT Aspire test is computer-based, state-mandated assessment given to all 9th and 10th grade students by a test proctor. It includes four curriculum-based tests that measure students’ education achievement in English, mathematics, reading, science, and writing. The ACT Aspire provides a measurement of being on track for college and career readiness. The assessment scores will not affect students’ grades. 

Why is this assessment given?

This test is given to determine if a student is on track for college and career readiness, to inform the problem-solving process, to evaluate the efficacy of instruction at different levels of the system (e.g. classroom, grade level, school and district) and to comply with Wisconsin state statute as well as federal law. State assessments, including the Aspire assessment, are required by both State (Wisconsin State Statute s. 118.30) and Federal (Every Student Succeeds Act) Law. The Aspire assessment tests students in the areas of English, Reading, Math, Science, and Writing. These assessments help students understand what they need to learn next so they can build rigorous high school course plans, and identify career areas that align with their interests. This assessment also helps students prepare for the ACT test they will take as an 11th grade student.

Who takes this assessment?

The ACT Aspire is given to all students in grades 9 and 10. Exceptions or modifications include any student who, through the IEP process, it is determined the test is not appropriate.

How is the test given?

The Aspire assessment will be given in-person, at school, during normal school hours, with no virtual/remote options available. The ACT Aspire is a timed, computer-based assessment. The time allotted is approximately 4-5 hours.

ACT Aspire Test Times by Subject
English - 45 Minutes
Math - 75 Minutes
Reading - 65 Minutes
Science - 60 Minutes
Writing - 40 Minutes
Total - 285 Minutes (4 Hours, 45 Minutes)

How will results be shared?

Student results will be sent to schools and families approximately 4 weeks after the test is completed. School and district reports will be available after all scoring is completed from tests across the state.

How does this assessment reflect a student’s performance?

As with any assessment, this is only one measure of a student’s academic performance. It is only through multiple assessments (for example, teacher developed assessments, state and district assessments) that we are able to develop a clearer picture of student’s current level of performance as well as their growth over time.

Questions & Concerns

If you have any questions regarding assessments, please contact our East High School Assessment Coordinator,  Assistant Principal Dr. Rachellee Bly.