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Formative Assessment System for Teachers (FAST)
FAST (Formative Assessment System for Teachers) is a suite of assessment progress monitoring tools designed to help educators screen, monitor progress, and analyze reading skills of students. Students in kindergarten through third grade may take this assessment at Rex Mathes. Each question in the predictive assessment tests is individually tailored to the test taker. Thanks to the individualized nature of these adaptive tests, they are more efficient and effective than traditional testing methods.
HSAP students have the option to sign-up to take the FAST test at Rex Mathes three different times during the school year. Watch your email for sign-ups!
Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)
The Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) measures the level and pattern of a student’s cognitive development compared to age mates. General reasoning abilities start developing at birth and continue through early adulthood, are influenced by experiences gained both in and out of school, and develop gradually throughout a person’s lifetime at different rates for different individuals. The CogAT measures three domains of a child’s aptitude in reasoning and problem-solving: Verbal (words), Quantitative (numbers), and Nonverbal (picture/figure). The national average is 50th percentile. The CogAT does not measure such factors as effort, attention, motivation, and work habits, which also contribute to school achievement.
2024-2025
3rd and 6th grade HSAP students have the option to sign-up to take the CogAT in October.
2nd grade HSAP students have the option to sign-up to take the CogAT in the spring TBD.
2025-2026
2nd and 6th grade HSAP students have the option to sign-up to take the CogAT in October.
Watch your email for sign-ups!
Iowa State Wide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP)
The Iowa Statewide Assessment of Student Progress (ISASP) are new assessments developed by Iowa Testing Programs at the University of Iowa for the state of Iowa. The assessments are aligned with the Iowa Core standards and provide a clear and accurate assessment of student learning outcomes. Student growth, proficiency and readiness indicators will be reported.
HSAP students have the option to signup to take the ISASP at Rex Mathes during April. Watch your email for sign-ups!
Preliminary SAT (PSAT/NMSQT)
This test is the qualifier for juniors wanting to be considered for National Merit Scholarships. Sophomores who want to take this test for practice, may also sign up. This test is given through Valley High School in October. Check for sign-up deadline in September!
The Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test is more than good practice for the SAT, and scores are more than just a number. With your results you can:
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See progress and tract improvement
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Set a target for future tests
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Get your AP courses potential
To sign up for the test, parents/guardians may purchase the test through the district's online payment system. The 23-24 PSAT will be listed as a School Item available for purchase. Add the PSAT to the cart, then checkout. To sign up, use this link: https://ia-westdesmoines.intouchreceipting.com/
American College Testing (ACT) - Free for juniors in WDMCS
The ACT measures educational development in the areas of English, mathematics, reading and science reasoning. This assessment measures the skills necessary for success in post-secondary educational settings, including students’ reasoning abilities and knowledge of subject matter fields.
WDMCS students in 11th-grade may register to take the ACT at Valley High School for FREE - HSAP students contact Carol Kramer if interested.
This format is ONLINE without a writing portion.