By Cindy Kranz
The Cincinnati Enquirer

From pajama study parties to Web-based tutoring programs, schools have been pulling out the stops to prepare students for today's kickoff of the Ohio Proficiency Test.

Fourth- and sixth-grade tests will be administered during the first two weeks of March. Tests are given on alternate days, in order, on writing, reading, mathematics, citizenship and science.

Ninth-grade proficiency tests also will be given this week.

The tests form a key part of a school district's report card, along with graduation rates and attendance. The weeks leading up to the tests can be nerve-wracking for teachers because they know a few students with bad scores or a single question that surprises students can hurt a district's effectiveness rating.

So, schools have developed some creative ways to help students cram for the tests:

• Sharpsburg Elementary students in Norwood got to attend school in their pajamas on Saturday mornings while eating a light breakfast and getting extra help on proficiency preparation. About 40 students attended each day.

• Twenty-four Cottonwood Elementary students in the Finneytowndistrict were invited in January to start school early two days a week. Using a Web-based program, the students worked on proficiency preparation. Attendance ranged from 17 to 22 students.

• In the last few weeks, fourth-graders at in the Winton Woods City School District were visited by the "Proficiency Fairy." Superintendent Camille Nasbe donned a crown and carried a magic wand as she quizzed students and rewarded them with treats for the right answers.

• Princeton City School District's fourth- and sixth-graders received a "Show what you know" proficiency quiz. Kids who signed the tests and placed them in a decorated barrel were eligible to win a class pizza party.

E-mail ckranz@enquirer.com