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.
