Steamboat Pilot & Today

Oak Creek — The South Routt Parent-Teacher Association postponed its January meeting so it can offer parents a sample Colorado Student Assessment Program test through a statewide program in February.

The CSAP is a way to hold schools and teachers accountable for a child's education. That is done by giving standardized tests to the students through the state to make sure the children are proficient in all of the school's subjects.

If a school district's average score on all CSAP tests in every grade is below 80 percent proficient, then it must improve 25 percent in three years. If the district doesn't, it could be at risk of losing the state's accreditation.

The program, which Gov. Bill Owens is spearheading, has been criticized in Colorado because opponents believe standardized testing isn't an appropriate way to assess a child's proficiency.

In February, south Routt parents, and anyone else who is interested, will have an opportunity to take a CSAP test on the seventh- and 10th-grade level.

"It's so parents can have an understanding what the CSAPs are," PTA secretary Phyllis Watwood said.

The tests are part of a statewide CSAP introduction program for parents.

The tests will be given as part of the PTA meeting at 7 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Soroco Middle School. Parents will take the exams and critique the work themselves.

Usually, about 50 people show up for the meetings, but Watwood said she hopes to get more people to take the test so people have a better understanding of what the administration and students are doing.

To reach Doug Crowl call 871-4206

or e-mail dcrowl@amigo.net