A note from Veritas Prep Headmaster, Mr. David Dean
Dear Parents & Families,

Thank you for all you do to support your child's academic success. As you may know, AzMERIT testing will begin starting on March 27 ( click here to find specific grade and test information on our school calendar) and we wanted to provide you more information about what to expect.

The AzMERIT assessment will be administered to all students in grades 6-11. Some students will also take AIMS Science. AzMERIT end-of-course tests are administered to those students for high-school English, Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. ELA tests include a writing portion and a reading portion. Eighth and ninth graders will take the AIMS Science test.

These statewide tests are untimed and your child will be given as much time as needed to complete each portion. Estimated times for how long each section might take are included below.
  • Writing: The writing portion will require students to read a few passages and then write about them. This type of task requires students to think more deeply about topics and use evidence to support their thinking. It will take an average of 45-90 minutes to complete the writing portion.
  • Reading: The reading portion will be administered in two parts over the course of two days. This will ensure students have ample time to read and answer questions. The test also contains editing tasks to measure student understanding of fundamental skills like spelling and grammar. Each part of the test will take students an average of 45-75 minutes to complete.

  • Math: The math portion will be administered in two parts over the course of two days. This will ensure students have ample time to read and answer questions. The test will ask questions that check a student's conceptual understanding of math, as well as their procedural skills. Each part of the test will take students an average of 60-85 minutes to complete.
  • AIMS Science: Students in eighth and ninth grades will take the AIMS Science test, which is a multiple choice test that is not timed.
All AzMERIT testing at Veritas Prep will be given electronically on school provided computers.  Please note a few supplies students will need for certain parts of the test:
Basic headphones: Students will need to have a pair of earbuds or basic headphones for portions of the writing test. The school will have headphones available on loan. However, students are also welcome to use their own basic headphones (as with other items, these should be free of distracting/offensive logos or images).

Calculators: Certain calculators are permitted for portions of the AzMERIT testing. Note: calculators purchased from VPA's Recommended Supply List or EduKits were selected for acceptability in AzMERIT testing. Click here for the official guidelines.
 
The best way for your child to prepare for the new test is already happening in the classroom all year round. However it is important to talk with your child about the assessment - your conversations can help minimize any fear or anxiety your child may be feeling. Additionally, you can take a sample test with your child at home to become more familiar with the format and types of questions that will be asked.

To learn more about the test and what your child needs to know to be successful visit the AzMERIT Portal.

Please help make sure your child arrives on time and is well-rested during testing days. We appreciate your patience, cooperation and flexibility during this testing administration time.     
Sincerely,


David Dean
Headmaster 
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