During the week of Sept. 19, students in the second and sixth grade will be taking tests at school.

Second graders will take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT). This test contains a series of subtests that test a student's level of cognitive development in relation to reasoning and problem solving. Tests are completed over several days and will take around an hour and a half.

Sixth graders will take the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS). The reading portion of the test requires students to read different types of passages and answer questions about facts, main ideas and conclusions that can be drawn. The math portion includes concepts, computation, estimation, problem solving and interpretation of data. There will also be a vocabulary, language arts, social studies and science portion. Scores should be available in October.

Results of these tests are used to gain a better understand of a child's academic strengths and weaknesses which allows the school to plan appropriate learning experiences.

Parents can help their children by making sure they get plenty of sleep the night before the tests, attend school every day and arrive on time and by having them eat a nutritious breakfast each morning. If a child wears glasses, make sure they have them each day.

Do not encourage students to study for these tests because cramming will not help. Above all, encourage students to do their very best without creating anxiety.

For any questions, contact the school.