Dear Parent or Guardian:

Shortly before the school year ended, your child took part in the 2015, ACT Aspire test for
English language arts/literacy and mathematics. These exams are part of Alabamas
comprehensive plan for supporting high-quality learning at every school. They are based on
Alabamas new, more challenging academic standards, which are designed to help all students
graduate ready for college and to pursue a career.
These tests include a wider variety of questions than the multiple-choice tests they replaced,
requiring students to explain how they solve problems, think critically, and write analytically.
These skills take time and effort to master, but our students will need them to succeed in the long
run.
In our school district, we see these tests as an academic checkup. Like class assignments and
report cards, they are one measurement of student progressone way to provide you and your
childs teachers with information about your childs work toward the high goals we have set for
our students.
The scores below reflect Trace Crossings overall achievement for the 2015 school year and their
comparison to stage averages.

2015 ACT Aspire Results

Trace Crossings Elementary
State Averages

Reading
51%
38%

Math
53%
48%

As you can see, our scores are above state average. Trace Crossings is still adjusting to these new
standards and the tests that go with them. We continue to strive for our students to make
significant progress to reach the challenging new goals we have set. Our teachers will be
provided with professional development opportunities that will help them better prepare their
students. As a parent/guardian you can help improve test scores by making sure your child is
present as much as possible!
We encourage you to become a part of the testing process! If you have questions or concerns
about your childs progress, please call the school office at 999-9999 to arrange a conference
with your childs teacher.
Sincerely,
TRACE CROSSING ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL