Benchmark Testing

Benchmark Q & A   2023-2024

Q: When will benchmarks be taken?

A. Elementary:  

     August 14-25 (Pre-Test)  

     December 4-22

     February 26 - March 8

     Middle/High School:

     December 4-22

     February 26 - March 8

 

Q: WHAT TESTING COMPANIES WILL BE USED?

A: Grades 3-8 ELA/Math, English II, Algebra I, 5th & 8th Science, US History, and Biology I:

    Instructure

    Site: Mastery Connect Platform through Clever

 

Q: WILL BENCHMARK TESTING BE ONLINE OR PAPER AND PENCIL?

A:  Testing will take place online with the exclusion of selected students with accommodations that allow alternative forms of testing. 

 

Q: IS THERE A LOCKDOWN BROWSER USED FOR BENCHMARK ASSESSMENTS?

A: Testing on MacBooks: Yes, the Mastery Connect platform offers a lockdown browser.

Testing on Chromebooks: Rankin County School District has enabled Kiosk mode for Mastery Connect testing.  This will take students directly to the Mastery Connect platform.  The Mastery Connect benchmark can also be accessed via Chrome after students have logged in.

 

Q: WHERE DO STUDENTS LOGIN TO TAKE THE ASSESSMENTS?

A:  Clever

 

Q: WILL THESE TESTS HAVE DIFFERENT SECTIONS?

A: Benchmark assessments have an ELA & Writing Section and Math

 

Q: WILL BENCHMARK ASSESSMENTS HAVE A TIME LIMIT?

A: Benchmarks are not timed. The suggested time is approximately 60-90 minutes for testing. Test administrations may be broken into two sessions if needed.

 

Q: WILL STUDENTS USE CALCULATORS ON THE MATH BENCHMARK ASSESSMENT?

A: The MDE policy for calculator use will be utilized – Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP) Calculator Policy

 

Q: WILL THE DISTRICT GIVE EACH SCHOOL DATES FOR TESTING?

A: Schools can choose the dates and times they give the benchmark assessments within the window specified in the RCSD Master Testing Calendar.

Other notes:

**This is not a secure testing situation. Schools will not have to turn in test security documents or have proctors, hall monitors, etc.

**Paper and pencil benchmarks can be provided for students needing an accommodation (must be in their IEP or 504 plan).

**For visually impaired students – documents will be provided to show you how to enlarge the font and information on the computer screen or print.