Assessment Plan

The assessment of student progress is fundamental to achieving our goal that all students learn. A comprehensive assessment system, aligned with state standards and our district’s core values, is essential for maintaining instructional focus and guiding continuous improvement. The purpose of this plan is to establish clear guiding principles for assessment across all buildings, ensuring that student performance data is used effectively by educators to enhance teaching and learning.

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

USD #384 uses FastBridge as a universal screening and progress-monitoring tool to support student learning and academic growth. FastBridge helps our teachers quickly identify students’ strengths, monitor progress over time, and provide timely, targeted instruction when additional support is needed. By using this data-driven system, we ensure that instructional decisions are based on accurate information and that every student receives the support necessary for success.

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

• Science: Grades 4, 7, and high school

• History: Grades 6, 8 and 9

Informational brochures are available for download from the Kansas State Department of Education.

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.

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