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Grad Test

on this page you will find:

Are you counting on graduation?

Then this section of the Saint Paul Public Schools (SPPS) website is for you. In it you will find simple and concise information on the who, what, when, where, why and hows of the GRAD tests. In fact this section is designed specifically around those questions.

Navigating the iGrad site

the iGrad site was developed using three colors to help you find your way around.
	Questions	Answers the questions who, what, when, where, why and how. You should be able to get quick information and find out who to contact for more information on each page.
	Requirements for all graduates	Credit requirements for graduation. Testing requirements for graduation
	Help on credits and testing	help on earning or recovering credits for graduation that are required above. help on GRAD remediation and retesting.

Formula for Graduation

SPPS has a goal - for you to graduate to something great! The formula for graduation is simple

To help you with that formula, we have assigned numbers to the graduation requirements and to the ways in which we can help you meet those requirements.

There are 4 credit and testing requirements for graduation (1-4). To help you meet those requirements, we have 2 support programs - one for credits (5) and one for testing (6) help.

There are a number of great alternatives within these programs. With a little help, you can graduate to something great!

Questions

Answers to several frequently asked questions are provided below:
	Who has to pass the GRAD Tests?	The Graduation-Required Assessments for Diploma (GRAD) Tests are .
	What are the GRAD Tests?	Credit requirements for graduation. Testing requirements for graduation.
	What is Remediation and why do I need it?	Remediation can be a number of things. School districts are allowed to define what remediation is on an individual basis according to student needs. Keep in mind that remediation may vary from student to student depending on their initial test scores. The Minnesota Department of Education requires that student have remediation. Under the GRAD rule, “students must have a minimum of six weeks for remediation before the next testing opportunity.” Saint Paul Public Schools offers a range of intervention opportunities to fit the needs of its students. All of this means that you should be in contact with your counselor to make sure that you are eligible to register for the next retest and develop a pathway for success.
	When are the GRAD Tests in 2009-2010?	Initial Testing In 2011, the GRAD Writing Test will be offered to 9th graders on April 12. Scores on the initial test are typically provided before summer break. On April 12 and 13, 2011, the GRAD Reading Test will be offered to 10th graders. It is embedded in the Reading 10 MCA. In 2011, the GRAD Math Test will be initially offered to 11th graders on April 12th and 13th. It is embedded in the Math Grade 11 MCA. Retakes A student who does not pass these tests will need to retake the test. A student may retake the test one time without some type of remediation (#6). If a student does not pass the first retake, state law requires the completion of a defined remediation before additional retakes can be taken.
	Help on credits and testing	Help on earning or recovering credits for graduation that are required above. Help on GRAD remediation and retesting.
	Help on credits and testing	Help on earning or recovering credits for graduation that are required above. Help on GRAD remediation and retesting.
	How do I know if I have passed a grad test?	You can get more information on the GRAD Reading and/or Math Test by talking to staff at your school. Counselors, in particular, will have information on these tests. Links on how to contact your counselor are provided for each middle and high school below:
	Help on credits and testing	Help on earning or recovering credits for graduation that are required above. Help on GRAD remediation and retesting.
	Help on credits and testing	Help on earning or recovering credits for graduation that are required above. Help on GRAD remediation and retesting.

What you need


	Credits Needed	You need to ensure that you have met all the subject credit requirements for graduation. Talk to your counselor and review your six-year plan regularly!
	Grad Writing Test	You need to have passed the GRAD Writing Test. This test is first taken in 9th grade. Talk to your teachers, counselors or principal if you need more information about this test.
	Grad Reading Test	You also need to have passed the GRAD Reading Test. This test is first taken in 10th grade. Again, we urge you to talk to staff in your school for more information.
	Grad Math Test	The GRAD Math test may be a little confusing. At present, you need to have either passed the test, or have completed two further retakes. You can graduate without having passed the Math Test - but the score will appear on your transcript. Staff and remediation are available.

	Credit Help	If you are short of credits, SPPS has several ways to recover them. You can earn credits in the following 5 ways: in-school: after-school on-line evenings, and in summer school Talk to your counselor for further information.
	Testing Help	In order to take a second retest on any of the GRAD Tests above - you must complete some form of state approved remediation. SPPS has remediation available the following 6 ways: In-school: remediation can be as simple as enrolling in the correct course at school. After-school: remediation for a specific test is also available after school - usually right at you high school Evenings & Extended Day: Gordon Parks High School (on University Avenue) offers evening school and extended day remediation for specific tests. You do not need to change schools to take advantage of these options. On-line: Saturdays: Saturday options will be available based on enrollment. Summer school: Summer school options are available for students in 2011. There are options for every need!