Assessment of Student Progress
As we return to school, we recognize that students will need time to adjust to their new learning environment. Our focus will be on student social emotional well being and engagement in remote learning.
Parents/guardians will be receiving additional information regarding benchmarking assessments as we progress into the fall. Our plan is to delay our traditional benchmark assessments and, instead, rely on classroom assessments to gauge student learning. We will communicate our adjusted Fall assessment plan by mid-September.
What is the purpose of assessment?
- Information gathered through assessment helps teachers measure how students are learning and growing
- One assessment does not provide a complete picture of student learning and growth so a variety of assessments are needed throughout the year
- Screening assessments provide a snapshot of student performance
- Diagnostic assessments provide a more complete picture of student performance
- Assessments are used to guide instructional, curricular, and placement decisions
- Some assessments are required by our local township, the Illinois State Board of Education, and federal mandates
- In addition to the assessments included here, teachers and teams use classroom assessments throughout units of study
What are some of the assessments students complete?
Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State to State “ACCESS”
- Diagnostic assessment used for a more in-depth measure of English Language (EL) skills
- Administered one time a year
- Content areas tested include social and academic language
Cognitive Abilities Test “CogAT”
- Diagnostic assessment used for a more in-depth measure of student ability
- Administered one time a year
- Content areas tested include verbal, non-verbal, and quantitative
Formative Assessment System for Teachers FastBridge “FB”
- Screening assessment used for a quick check of progress
- Typically administered three times a year
- Content areas screened may include social emotional, literacy and math
Fountas and Pinnell Assessment System “F&P”
- Diagnostic assessment used for a more in-depth measure of student achievement
- Typically administered three times a year
- Content area tested is literacy
Illinois Assessment of Readiness "IAR"
- Diagnostic assessment used for a more in-depth measure of student achievement
- Administered once a year
- Content areas tested include literacy and math
Illinois Fitness Assessment "IFA"
- Screening assessment used for a quick check of progress
- Typically administered two or three times a year
- Content area tested is physical education
Illinois Science Assessment "ISA"
- Diagnostic assessment used for a more in-depth measure of student achievement
- Administered once a year
- Content area tested is science
Kindergarten Individual Development Survey “KIDS”
- Observational tool to determine kindergarten readiness
- Typically administered one time per year
- Content areas screened may include social emotional, literacy, math, and science
Measures of Academic Progress “MAP”
- Diagnostic assessment used for a more in-depth measure of student achievement
- Administered three times a year
- Content areas tested include literacy and math
Which grade levels take these tests?
| Grade Level(s) | Assessments Administered |
|---|---|
| Preschool | FB (4 year olds) |
| Kindergarten-1st grade | ACCESS (EL only), FB, F&P, KIDS |
| 2nd grade | ACCESS (EL only), FB, F&P, MAP |
| 3rd grade | ACCESS (EL only), CogAT, FB, IAR, IFA, MAP |
| 4th grade | ACCESS (EL only), FB, IAR, IFA, MAP |
| 5th grade | ACCESS (EL only), CogAT, FB, IAR, IFA, ISA, MAP |
| 6th-7th | ACCESS (EL only), FB, IAR, IFA, MAP |
| 8th grade | ACCESS (EL only), FB, IAR, IFA, ISA, MAP |
Where can I learn more about these assessments?
Please enjoy “Understanding Assessment Results for Parents," a video featuring members our district, Data Analysis Coordinator, and Multi-tiered System of Support Coordinator explaining how to read the assessment reports that are mailed home.
What is a Multi-Tiered System of Support?
Student success increases when parents and caregivers partner with schools to support student’s learning. Multi-Tiered System of Support, or MTSS, is designed to meet student academic and behavioral needs through a process that includes the use of assessment information. Learn more about MTSS by visiting the district’s MTSS information page.
District Assessment Reporting (Ref: 105 ILCS 5/22-82)
The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) fourth annual District Assessment Survey is now available. Legislation requires each school district to report information to ISBE concerning the administration of assessments to students at each school. The law also requires schools to make this information public. See the results.
