Standardized Testing
St. Jude the Apostle School, under the direction of the Department of Catholic Schools, utilizes two standardized testing programs during the course of the school year. These academic assessments are intended to give a snapshot of student progress at a particular point in time. While designating areas of growth for students, these tests may also indicate strengths and weakness in the overall school program.
ACRE (Assessment of Catholic Religious Education)
This test is administered to grades 5 and 8, usually in December. Grade 5 takes the level 1 test. Grade 8 takes the level 2 test. This assessment assists the teachers and administration in better understanding where students are in terms of knowledge, perceptions, attitudes and practices of our Catholic faith.
***We ask that parents/guardians check the school calendar and take note when tests are scheduled and to avoid making medical appointments during those times.***
Archdiocesan Testing Program – STAR Renaissance
The Department of Catholic Schools (DCS) uses STAR testing to assess students in Reading and Math. The testing will be web-based and the students will be able to use the multiple devices we have available on campus. There will be four (4) testing periods that have been determined by the DCS during the school year, but the time involved is two (2) 30-minute testing sessions for each testing period. The school receives the results immediately and there are a variety of different reports available to the faculty to plan and adjust curriculum for individual students as well as each grade level. The testing for Kindergarten and 1st grade is read to them using earplugs with the devices.
Special Academic Programs
AR Reading Practice Quizzes
The "AR Testing" is used to engage students to develop his/her reading skills. The students use personal reading ranges to select appropriate books for reading. Classes will have a set time, once a week, to go to the library to be tested for comprehension. A classroom log sheet keeps track of how students have done. Students earn points, based on his/her scores.
Students need to pick a book from the list which can be found at www.ARbookfind.com to determine if there is a test available. Then the student needs to let the teacher know when he/she is ready to try the test.
The AR program is designated to encourage independent reading and foster a love for reading, on an individual level, for students in Grades 1st to 5th. In Junior High (6th, 7th and 8th), there is required AR reading; and a participation grade for Language/Literature of 5% will be given to each student meeting this goal for each of the three (3) trimesters. Teachers and the librarian will help encourage and steer students to choose appropriate books.
*First Grade is scheduled to start testing in January. Students will have a goal of 2 books a trimester once they start testing. Kindergarten does not test.
