Are you taking your ATLAS Geometry or ATLAS Algebra 1 test seriously? They don’t count for a grade. Why should they be taken seriously? While it is true that they do not count for a grade, and therefore won’t impact your math grade in your class, the overall impact is much more significant and far-reaching than you might expect.
UNDERSTANDING ATLAS LEVELS
The scores students can receive when taking the ATLAS tests are categorized into four distinct levels: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3 and Level 4. Levels 3 and 4 signify a student’s proficiency, indicating that the student has a solid grasp of the material they are currently learning. It suggests they are prepared for more advanced coursework. In contrast, Levels 1 and 2 signal a lack of understanding, indicating that the student needs additional support in order to reach proficiency.
For students who have been placed in Levels 1 and 2, the implications are noteworthy. These students are required by the LEARNS Act to take a remedial math class, a decision that can impact their overall education experience at school. This class replaces a potential elective course, limiting that student’s opportunity to explore their interests: like art, music, technology, and many other subjects.
This makes it extremely crucial to reach at least a Level 3 proficiency, not just to avoid these remedial classes, but to keep their options open. Mr. Allen is considering offering students double lunch for the rest of this school year if the student scores at Level 3 or Level 4 for ATLAS Geometry or Algebra, or if they improve from a Level 1 score to a Level 2 score.
Presently there are 208 students who have scored at Levels 1 and 2. That presents a challenge. Are we going to have to hire a bunch of math teachers next year to cover those second required math classes those students will have to take? Are students going to have to be assembled into advisory classes that focus on math 5 days a week? Something will have to happen. So keep that in mind, if you think this test doesn’t matter. It does. It’s going to affect what your schedule looks like next year, for sure.
