Testing Overview

Dates & Cost

Test Choices

Test Preparation

Test Preparation

Perspective

As an achievement test, the CAT is designed to measure a student’s current level of progress. Students should see some questions on the test that are too easy for them and other questions over new material. We want to see how far they can go; how much they can do; what they've achieved as of a given point in time.

When taking the test, students simply need to do their best. If they understand the nature of the test in advance, it may help them not to get over-confident when they see easy questions, nor nervous when they encounter difficult work.

As far as the State requirements go, with the compulsory attendance law in Oregon, the State must know that each child is receiving an education. The testing requirement is in place for tracking that; for most students, the expectation for achievement is not high.

Strive for balance -- while we want students to take the test seriously and do their best work, anxiety certainly doesn't help. As long as they are not too nervous, many students actually enjoy the test format and experience, and rise to the challenge to do their best. Testing in a friendly, home atmosphere such as Write Worthy helps, but a successful testing experience really starts with parents who have the test in clear perspective and portray that to their children.

Practice Tests

CTB/McGraw-Hill, the company that publishes the CAT, produces workbooks with test preparation tips, learning objectives, and practice activities. These can help parents assess skills and help calm a student's anxieties before a test.  The books, titled Test Practice, in the Spectrum workbook series, are widely available in local bookstores.

On Test Day

Start with a good night's rest and a healthy breakfast!

1. Arrive about 10 minutes early for registration and settling in (the classroom is not open for earlier arrivals).
   
   
2. Students should bring only a small, nutritious snack; all materials for the test (pencils, scratch paper, etc.) will be provided.
   
   
3. Parents should come inside before the test to complete a short registration form and pay (check or cash) for testing.
   
   
4. Our waiting area is limited; parents are welcome to stay if space is available and the waiting area is silent; many choose to wait in the car or visit a park nearby.

For students taking the optional test sections, it is recommended that parents pick them up for lunch between sessions to provide a good break, away from the testing room. A sack lunch on a bench at a nearby park is nice on sunny days!