Home
 | Louisiana is
transforming public education with the Reaching for Results reform
initiative. Students may practice for the Leap21 test online at
www.louisianapass.org.
| Reaching for
Results includes higher standards for what students should know and be
able to do, school and district accountability, increased resources for
schools and students, and a new testing program: LEAP 21.
| Beginning the 2nd
week of March, 4th and 8th grade public school students will take the
LEAP 21 tests.
| This test is
divided into four parts: English, Math, Science and Social Studies.
| Students will
receive scores in one of five achievement levels: Unsatisfactory,
Approaching Basic, Basic, Mastery and Advanced. (See table below.)
| Students must
"pass" the LEAP 21 tests by scoring at the Approaching Basic/Basic level
or higher in English and Math to move to the next grade. | |
LEAP 21 Achievement
Levels
LEAP 21 has five different achievement levels:
| A student at this level has demonstrated superior performance beyond the proficient level mastery. | ||
| A student at this level has demonstrated competency over challenging subject matter and is well prepared for the next level of schooling. | ||
Louisiana's 10-year Goal |
A student at this level has demonstrated only the fundamental knowledge and skills needed for the next level of schooling. | |
"Minimum" to proceed to next grade |
A student at this level has only partially demonstrated the fundamental knowledge and skills needed for the next level of schooling. | |
"Failing" grade |
A student at this level has not demonstrated the fundamental knowledge and skills needed for the next level of schooling. |
*The percentage
of points needed for each level varies, depending on the test (English or math).
These percentages are based on the 2000 LEAP 21 test results.
LEAP 21 Test-Taking Tips
1. Reassure your child that he or she does not have to answer all the questions correctly to pass. It is not expected that students answer every question correctly.
2 Tell your child to attempt to answer all of the questions and not to leave any blanks. There is no penalty for guessing, and students can get partial credit on the open-ended items.
3. Remind your child that the test is important.
4. Explain to your child the importance of using time wisely. If your child gets stuck on a question, encourage him or her to make the best guess or place a mark in the test booklet by that item and go back to it after finishing that section of the test.
5. Make certain your child gets a good night's sleep and a good breakfast before taking the test.
6. Try to make the morning of the test a pleasant one. Do not add to your child's stress.
7. Get your child to school on time the day of the test.
8. Remind your child to listen carefully to the instructions from the teacher and to read the directions and each question carefully.
9. Encourage your child to stay focused on the test, even if other students finish early.
10.
Remind your child that it is okay to mark in the test booklet as a help in
taking the test, i.e., underlining important words, etc.--but to mark all
answers on the answer sheet.
*For more information, call the Louisiana Department of Education's toll-free helpline at 1-877-4-LEAP 21 (1-877-453-2721) or visit the Department's website at: www.louisianaschools.net
