Assessment Report October 26, 2015

Types of Assessments Given Formative Summative Aptitude/Achievement Curriculum Based Assessments

The Purpose of Assessment Formative Assessment “for” learning Designed to engage teachers and students in reflection and meaningful feedback to help students performance on a learning target/goal/objective AND teachers make instructional shifts in order to encourage learning. Summative Assessment “of” learning Designed to evaluate student learning against the expected outcome. It is considered the culminating assessment. It provides data at the end of a unit, course, or program that can be used to improve learning for future cohorts or meets an accountability system.

Tests Given in All Levels AssessmentWhat is assessedSubject(s)How is it used ? Curriculum Based Assessments (CBA) Content area assessments given throughout the district to link instruction to curriculum and TEKS. These are given every six weeks in most grade levels, according to the unique needs of the development of that grade. Mathematics, English/Lang uage Arts, Science, and Social Studies. These assessments provide information on student progress on TEKS, curriculum alignment on the TEKS, and classroom instruction outcomes in relation to the TEKS. STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Students in grades 3-8 are tested in TEKS for that grade level in mathematics and reading. Grades 4 & 7 are tested in writing TEKS to include the grade levels preceding and including 4 & 7. Grades 5 & 8 are also tested in Science TEKS to include the grade levels preceding and including Grades 5 & 8. Social Studies TEKS are assessed to include the grade levels preceding and including grade 8. Mathematics, ELA, Science, Social Studies Students taking the STAAR receive a score indicating their performance level on the test. Grades 5 & 8 are required to attain Satisfactory levels on Math and Reading in order to be promoted to the next grade. The scores on these tests are used in the state accountability system to rate schools and districts on overall achievement, student progress, closing achievement gaps, and postsecondary readiness. STAAR EOC (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness End- of-Course exams) This is an end-of-course assessment required by in Algebra I, Biology, English I, English II, & U.S. History. Algebra I, Biology, English I, English II, & U.S. History The purpose of the EOC is to measure students’ academic performance in a core high school course. Satisfactory scores successfully fulfill one of the graduation requirements. The scores on these tests are used in the state accountability system to rate schools and districts on overall achievement, student progress, closing achievement gaps, and postsecondary readiness.

Elementary Level Assessments AssessmentWhat is assessedSubject(s)How is it used ? Cognitive Abilities Test (CoGat) – Grade 2 CoGat assesses a student’s reasoning skills. Verbal, Non-Verbal, and Quantitative Reasoning This assessment is part of the data used to identify students for GATES. Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) – Grade 2 ITBS is a standardized test that norms students’ scores in relation to national norms on the test. Reading, English/Language Arts, Listening, Mathematics. This assessment is part of the data used to identify students for GATES and other academic programs. NISD also uses this as a screener for ELL/LEP services. Developmental Reading Assessment 2 (DRA-2) – Grades k-3 Measures each student’s reading proficiency through systematic observation and evaluation performance. Reading engagement, oral reading fluency, and comprehension Teachers use individual student scores to guide literacy growth through the primary grades. NISD uses this test to screen for student literacy needs. It is administered 2-3 times of year depending on student need.

Secondary Level Assessments AssessmentWhat is assessedSubject(s)How is it used ? PSAT/NMSQT – Grades 10 & 11. A standardized test designed to serve as practice for the SAT. Reading, Mathematics, Writing The PSAT provides students with feedback on strength and weaknesses in SAT readiness, identifies AP success potential, and may be used to generate a percentage of students meeting the college readiness indicator. Eleventh grade students have the opportunity to compete for National Merit recognitions and scholarships. PSAT 8/9 – Grades 8 & 9A standardized test designed to serve as practice for the SAT Reading, Mathematics, Writing The PSAT provides students with feedback on strength and weaknesses in SAT readiness, identifies AP success potential, and may be used to generate a percentage of students meeting the college readiness indicator. SAT – Grade 11The SAT and SAT Subject Tests are standardized tests designed to assess a student’s readiness for college. Reading, Mathematics, Writing. The SAT is a college admission test.

Assessments as needed Credit by Exam TELPAS Advanced Placement Accuplacer (TSI) TAKS