For the second year, LT is issuing the state-mandated Partnership for Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC ) assessment to freshmen enrolled in Algebra I and/or English I. This year the test will be paper-free, meaning the need for computers and lab time is even greater during the two and a half week span of testing from March 30-April 15.

Last year, LT was one of few surrounding schools that did not administer the exam online. So in an attempt to be more eco-friendly this year, roughly 750 total students will test in three separate waves for their respective subject.  Subtests consisting of Algebra 1 and English 1 are dependent on teachers and spaced out throughout the testing period to decrease sequential absences.

“Walking over to the Corral in time for my test is my biggest worry,” Grace Johnston ‘19 said. “It seems like it will be very crowded for test taking. I am a slow test taker and worry about the surrounding testing environment.”

The results from the previous year’s PARCC assessment were posted online on both Illinois Report Card and the LTHS website. According to the LTHS website, State Superintendent Dr. Tony Smith stressed that PARCC is a completely different type of assessment and these results set a baseline for future tests to be compared to.

“I don’t think the PARCC test was well understood last year,” Coordinator of Assessment and Research Katie Smith said. “I think our state has become accommodated to the exam. Our freshmen took it last year, as eighth graders, so it should not be as big a surprise that they will be taking it again.”

All testing will be administered in the Corral, aside from students who require accommodations. Two hundred-fifty computers will be arranged through the floor of the building typically used for community and school events. Students will sit alphabetically or each test they sit for.

When a student misses class due to a testing session, he or she will receive information on the instruction missed via a teacher’s webpage, email, Infinite Campus or Canvas accounts. In addition students will receive ample time to complete missed in-class assignments and time to make-up missed quizzes or tests. Teachers have the responsibility to inform students about their testing location and time.

“My biggest worry is that students won’t take the PARCC test seriously,” English teacher Gretchen Kulat said.  “I’ve already had students tell me they won’t show up or if they do, they plan to not respond to the test questions but to write a response about how they feel the test is not an accurate measurement.  This makes me sad; I always encourage students to put forth their best effort.”