Assessments

USD #384
District Assessment Plan

KCA testing schedule here.

Introduction

The assessment of student progress is essential to our goal of “All Students Learning”. A comprehensive assessment plan aligned with state standards and our core values is imperative to maintain focus and guide our work. The objective of our plan is to provide guiding principles for assessment in each of our buildings that will provide student test data that can be utilized by our teachers to improve teaching and learning in our classrooms.

Assessment is an integral component of the learning process. Assessment, both formal and informal, is an essential piece of the teaching/learning process. Teachers need timely, specific information about student progress to guide their instructional decisions. Parents and our community expect to receive valid and reliable information about the quality of the educational programs that we provide and the school district requires information regarding program effectiveness.

This plan outlines the variety of assessments utilized in USD #384.

An Observation Survey of Early Literacy is given to first grade students during the first two weeks of school and again in May. It is the placement test for our Reading Recovery Program which aids students with reading concerns.

The Basic Reading Inventory is given to second grade students in September and again in May. This is part of the reading state assessment process.

MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) tests are given to all students second through eleventh grade. Tests are given in the fall and the spring. The MAP tests are given in mathematics, reading, and language usage. The difficulty of the MAP test questions is based on how well a student answers the previous question. As the student answers correctly, questions become more difficult. The final score is an estimate of the student’s achievement level. The MAP tests are used to measure students progress or growth in school. More information is available in the Parent Toolkit.

State Assessments are given each year between late February and early April. This year’s assessments will be given in the following areas:
* Reading: Grades 3 – 8 and once in high school
* Math: Grades 3 – 8 and once in high school
* Writing: Grades 5 – 8 and 11
Informational brochures are available for download from the Kansas State Department of Education.

The STAR Reading Assessment is given to students in grades 1 – 11 to level students for the Accelerated Reader Program and is also used as a tool to group students for Guided Reading at the elementary level. The assessment is given in August, December, and May.

The ASVAB test is given to all juniors during the fall semester. The ASVAB is a multiple-aptitude battery that tests a student’s knowledge in eight areas including: general science, mathematics, word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, electronics information, auto and shop information, and mechanical comprehension. Results are presented on an ASVAB Summary Results sheet, a report that describes standard and percentile scores on individual ASVAB test, military entrance scores, and Career Exploration Score composites. The goal of the ASVAB Career Exploration Program is to give students the opportunity to explore a variety of careers using knowledge they have gained about their interests and skills through assessment components and structured activities.

The PLAN test is an optional test available to sophomores in the fall semester. PLAN is a great way to prepare for the ACT and provides an estimated ACT score. Students are tested in English, math, reading, and science. PLAN also has a career interest inventory that helps find career choices. The results point out students’ academic strengths and areas that need improvement. PLAN identifies skills and knowledge students need to succeed in college, areas where extra help or additional courses are needed, and career areas that match their interests.

The ACT test is an optional test available to juniors and seniors. The ACT is offered approximately six times during the year. Students are given a multiple-choice test covering four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The Writing Test, which is optional, measures skill in planning and writing a short essay. In addition to the tests, the ACT also provides test takers with a unique interest inventory that provides valuable information for career and educational planning and a student profile section that provides a comprehensive profile of your work in high school and your future plans. The ACT tests are universally accepted for college admission. The ACT is accepted by virtually all colleges and universities in the U.S., including all of the Ivy League schools.

The PSAT/NMSQT test is an optional test available to freshmen, sophomores, and juniors during the fall semester. Students are assessed in critical reading, mathematical reasoning, and writing skills. The PSAT/NMSQT allows students to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation competitions for recognition and scholarships. Students receive a free personalized study plan to help them prepare for the SAT. The PSAT/NMSQT test encourages students to start planning for life after high school by introducing the concept of attending college and beginning their college search process.

The SAT Reasoning Test is a measure of critical thinking skills. The SAT assesses how well students analyze and solve problems. The SAT is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors. It is offered approximately seven different times throughout the year. The SAT includes a Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing section, with a specific number of questions related to content. The SAT gives an independent, standardized measure of a student's college readiness. It is standardized across all students, schools, and states, providing a common and objective scale for comparison.

Resources for students and parents:
Educational Games and Resources - links to games and other resources
Yahoo Education Test Prep Center - ACT, SAT, PSAT
Test Prep Review - free online practice tests
ACT Student - a student site for ACT test takers
Test Prep Question of the Day - a new question every day