K-12 Private Christian School in Northwest Houston, TX

Testing Standards

Q. Why do CCS students take MAP® Growth™ and public school students take the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR™) test?

A. The STAAR™ exam only tests to see if a student achieved the minimum standard (i.e.: 70%) at each grade level. It answers the question: Did the student master the basic minimum skills for third grade?

CCS gives students MAP® Growth™ to determine their instructional level and to measure academic growth throughout the school year (and from year to year) in language arts, math and science. MAP® Growth™ is unique in that it adapts to each student’s level of learning. If a student answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging. If they answer incorrectly, the next one is easier. This results in a detailed picture of what the student knows and is ready to learn—whether it is on, above or below their grade level. 

Since MAP® Growth™ provides more immediate information about each student’s learning, it’s easy for teachers to identify students with similar scores that are generally ready for instruction in similar skills and topics, and then plan instruction accordingly. MAP® Growth™ reports also provide typical growth data for students who are in the same grade, subject and have the same starting performance level. 

Q. Do high school students use MAP® Growth™ for their college entrance exam?

A. No. Colleges are interested in a prospective student's SAT and ACT scores. Juniors and seniors in high school are required to take the SAT and encouraged to take the ACT test for entrance to colleges and universities. Academically-talented students entering seventh-grade can take the SAT for a 'sneak preview' as part of the Duke University Talent Identification program.

High school freshmen, sophomores and juniors take MAP® Growth™ to help teachers ensure the students are mastering needed concepts. Additionally, MAP® Growth™ provides students with information about needed areas of improvement and provides students with learning activities to help them master concepts and be prepared for the SAT and ACT.

Q. What does CCS do with the achievement test results?

A. CCS tracks trends in student performance for each subject across the grade levels. CCS has over 10 years of data which provides an excellent history for evaluating specific classes of students and trends in the school. While not the only parameter we use for evaluating our school programs, achievement tests do provide a useful metric for evaluating the end results of implementing new textbooks, classroom programs, teaching styles, etc.

Q. Which tests are taken at each grade level?

A. Comprehensive achievement testing programs for CCS students consist of the following:

  • Grades K-11 take MAP® Growth™
  • Grade 9 take the PSAT 8/9
  • Grade 10 takes PSAT 10
  • Grade 11 takes PSAT/NMSQT/SAT/ACT
  • Grade 12 takes SAT/ACT