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Benchmark Tests

 
BENCHMARK TESTS
Date: See Math and Language Dates
See details for language, math, and performing art proficiency testing.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Math
Our normal procedures for recommending placements for students have been disrupted due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Here are some guidelines for selecting a math class for your Freshman year:
 
Course Descriptions
Math 1: This course covers core concepts from Algebra 1, along with investigations of linear programming problems, exponent laws, logarithms, and normal distributions. This course is recommended for students who have not taken Algebra 1 before or for students who do not feel confident in their mastery of Algebra 1 skills. You do not need to take a benchmark exam to be placed in Math 1. However, you DO need to email Ms. Bowman at KLBowman@cps.edu to indicate this choice. Please include the student's full name and ID number.
 
Math 2: This course covers core concepts from Geometry, along with investigations of quadratics, trigonometry, and expected value. This course is recommended for students who have a strong mastery of skills from Algebra 1. You will need to meet the required percentage on the Math 1 benchmark exam (see the information below) to be placed in Math 2. If you receive Algebra Competency from a district-approved Algebra 1 course, you will be eligible to take Math 2, although we may still recommend Math 1 depending on the results from the Math 1 benchmark exam.
 
Math 3: This course covers core concepts from Geometry and Algebra 2, along with investigations of trigonometry, conic sections, and binomial distributions. This course is recommended for students who have a strong mastery of skills from high school level Algebra 1 and Geometry courses. You will need to meet a required percentage on a Math 1 AND Math 2 benchmark exam (see information below) to be placed in Math 3.
 
Math 4: This course covers core concepts from pre-calculus in preparation for any calculus course. This course is recommended for students who have a strong mastery of skills from high school level Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2. You will need to meet a required percentage on a Math 1 AND Math 2 benchmark exam, have taken a course equivalent to Algebra 2, and schedule an interview (see information below) with a math teacher to be placed in Math 4.
 
Guidelines
The purpose of the benchmark exam is to help find the most appropriate placement for you so that we can support your learning as best as possible. Academic dishonesty will only lead to bad information and thus, a suboptimal educational experience. While completing the benchmark exam, please follow this guidance:
  • Finding a quiet place to complete the exam with minimal distractions
  • Have paper and pencil/pen ready for scratch work
  • Set aside 45 minutes of undisrupted time to complete this exam
  • Do NOT use a textbook, notes, or resources on the internet
  • Do NOT accept help or guidance from anyone else (this should be your work)
  • If you receive accommodations or modifications from an IEP or 504, please contact Kim Bowman at KLBowman@cps.edu so that we can arrange for those changes to be made Benchmark exams can either be accessed online (links below), or a physical copy can be picked up from and returned to the school building.
  • The deadline for all benchmark exams and interviews is June 18.
 
Instructions for selecting a math course:
  • MATH 1: If you want to take Math 1 next year, email Kim Bowman at KLBowman@cps.edu indicating your preference. Please include the student's full name and ID number.
  • MATH 2: If you are interested in placement into Math 2, complete the Math 1 Benchmark Exam using this link: https://forms.gle/AcxgyhfgYfYUeCMk6
  • MATH 3: If you are interested in placement into Math 3, complete BOTH the Math 1 Benchmark Exam (link above) and the Math 2 Benchmark Exam using this link: https://forms.gle/RbPs9gUZMEKFkQBZ9
  • MATH 4: If you are interested in placement into Math 4, complete the Math 1 and Math 2 Benchmark exams (links above) and email, Kim Bowman, at KLBowman@cps.edu to schedule a conference.
 
Given the disruptions to the regular school year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we urge you to seriously reflect on which course would provide the best learning experience for you. If you have any questions, please contact the math department co-chair Kim Bowman a KLBowman@cps.edu, or Assistant Principal Dr. Plunkett at teplunkett@cps.edu or 773-534-8600 ext. 48633.
 
Word Language

As you may know from previous communications, the World Language Department at Jones requires a placement test for all incoming freshmen that have previous knowledge of any of the three languages that the school offers: Mandarin Chinese, French and Spanish. It is very important that the students take the exam if they feel that they are ready to take a higher level of the language. Students with no previous language experience or students who fail to take the placement exam will be placed automatically into level 1 of their chosen language. 

 

Due to the circumstances, Spanish, French, and Mandarin exams will be taken online from home. In order to take the Spanish or French placement tests, please submit the google form attached here or below by May 21. In order to take the Mandarin placement test, please submit the Mandarin placement test registration google form attached here or below by May 21. Once completed, confirmation and steps to complete the placement test will be sent to the student via email.  

 

If the student does not take the exam, they will automatically be placed in level one.  Student schedules CANNOT be changed in September.

 

Spanish and French placement test registration link: https://forms.gle/tnnwUgAK5rKdPBN79

Mandarin placement test registration link: https://forms.gle/vBwUfuN42NDc7Ydd7

 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact world language chair Jamie Riste at jrriste@cps.edu or Assistant Principal Dr. Plunkett at teplunkett@cps.edu or 773-534-8600 ext. 48633.