About the Tests
Teachers use a variety of methods to measure students' development
of important skills. For example, teachers frequently observe how
students participate in class discussions and group projects, and
review students' homework, quizzes, and tests.
The Nevada Content Standards describe what every student should
know and be able to do in each grade. Each year, students across the
state take the Nevada Criterion Reference Test (CRT) in Reading and
Math. Students in Grades 4 an 7 also take the Iowa Test of Basic Skills®
(ITBS®), which measures student knowledge and skills compared
to other tested students in the nation. In addition, the Nevada Writing
Assessment is administered for students in Grades 5 and 8. Standardized
tests are one important way to understand how well students are meeting
these standards.
Information from these standardized tests can help teachers understand
the strengths and needs of individual students and classes. Results
from the tests can help teachers plan curricula.
