HSGQE Re-Test Fall 2009

*    The Alaska H.S.G.Q.E. is a proficiency-based criterion-referenced test developed
        specifically for Alaska. Test administration will occur October 6-8, 2009. Schools
        will administer Reading on October 6th, Writing on October 7th, and Mathematics
        on October 8th. Juniors and seniors who need to take one or more sections of the
        HSGQE will participate in the Fall re-test.

*    4 AAC 06.775 requires that all sophomorers take the spring administration of the
        H.S.G.Q.E. Each student who is a junior or senior, who has failed to pass the
        entire examination, shall be retested at least once each year on those portions of
        the examination that the student has not passed. Any student who passes any
        portion of the examination may not retake that portion of the examination.

*    The H.S.G.Q.E. is part of the Alaska Comprehensive System of Student
        Assessment (CSSA) mandated by the legislature under the Quality Schools
        Initiative. The test measures attainment of Alaska Standards adopted by school
        districts across Alaska.

*    When the legislature passed Senate Bill 133, they made it very clear the
        H.S.G.Q.E. was to measure "minimum competencies of essential skills." In order
        for students to receive a diploma, they must meet our district's graduation
        requirements and demonstrate proficiency on all three subtests of the H.S.G.Q.E.
        or be eligible for and granted a waiver.

*    The H.S.G.Q.E. is not timed but is expected to take approximately three hours
        each day to complete. Students who are making progress but have not completed
        the session within the estimated time will be given as much time as they need to
        finish within the same testing day. The H.S.G.Q.E. will be proctored by certified
        teachers with at least one proctor for every 30 students.

*    There are no make-ups for the H.S.G.Q.E.

*    Parents are asked to help by having their students rested and ready for testing on
        each test day. Eating a nutruitous breakfast is important. Please have your student
        to school on time and avoid scheduling appointments on October 6th, 7th, and 8th.

*    Results for the Fall 2009 administration of the H.S.G.Q.E. re-test will be reported to
        our district in December.