Assessments
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In addition to district summative and classroom formative assessments, students participate in district-wide assessments. The frequency and types of tests used in the district vary by grade level and purpose. The charts below lists those assessments and the students that would be assessed with each.
The district's decision to use district-wide assessments, such as the DIBELs and MAP, is intended to identify evidence of student learning to guide instructional decisions. At all levels, assessments used throughout the district are used to inform instruction and to guide educational decisions for students.
Elementary LevelAssessment
Content Area
Dates
Students Assessed
Purpose / Information about Assessment
DIAL-4
Pre-K concepts
June-August
Pre-K
Pre-Kindergarten Screener – measures motor skills, kindergarten concepts and language skills
DIBELs
Reading
October / May
Grade 1
Inform teachers for instructional decisions and academic support needs
Accuracy Check (DIBELs Passage)
Reading
October / May
Grade 2
Inform teachers for instructional decisions and academic support needs
SAGES
Reasoning
October
Grade 1
Gifted program screener
Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment
Reading
Fall/Spring
K-5
Inform teachers for instructional decisions in reading
Reading, Math
September-May (two-three times per year)
Grades 1-5 and full day kindergarten
A 46-52 question computer adaptive assessment used for instructional decisions by teachers
Component for academic support, gifted screener, leveled math courses.
Reading, Math
March/April
Grades 3-8
State mandated assessment
Writing
March/April
Grades 5 & 8
State mandated assessment
Science
March/April
Grades 4 & 8
State mandated assessment
Middle School LevelAssessment
Content Area
Dates
Students Assessed
Purpose / Information about Assessment
Iowa Algebra Aptitude Test (IAAT)
Math
Spring
Course 2 Math Students
Informs placement decisions of course 2 math students into Algebra I for either 7thor 8th grade
Reading, Math
September-May (two-three times per year)
Grades 6 & 7, all special education and gifted students, select 8th graders
A 46-52 question computer adaptive assessment used for instructional decisions by teachers
Component for academic support, gifted screener, leveled math courses.
Reading, Math
March/April
Grades 3-8
State mandated assessment
Writing
March/April
Grades 5 & 8
State mandated assessment
Science
March/April
Grades 4 & 8
State mandated assessment
Keystone
Algebra 1
May
Students completing Algebra 1
State mandated assessment
PSAT
Reading Math
Grades 10, 11
Provides students the opportunity to practice for the SAT; results guides decisions for AP course consideration
High School Level (* indicates an optional assessment)Assessment
Content Area
Dates
Students Assessed
Purpose / Information about Assessment
Reading, Math
September-May (two-three times per year)
Grades 9-10, all special education and gifted students, and select 11th graders
A 46-52 question computer adaptive assessment used for instructional decisions by teachers
Component for academic support, gifted screener, leveled math courses.
Reading, Math
March/April
Grades 3-8
State mandated assessment
Writing
March/April
Grades 5 & 8
State mandated assessment
Science
March/April
Grades 4 & 8
State mandated assessment
Keystone Exams
Algebra 1, Literature, & Biology
December or May
Students completing a course within the tested areas
State mandated assessment
SAT*
Reading, Math, Writing
Various
Grades 11, 12
Optional test for college admission requirements
ACT*
Various
Various
Grades 11, 12
Optional test for college admission requirements
AP Exams*
Various
May
Grades 9, 10, 11, 12
Optional tests for students to receive college credits