Assessment

Why do students need to take assessments? There are two reasons for assessments:

Teacher instructional needs
Local, State, and Federal requirements

While most students and families think of assessments as a way teachers grade students, staff often see it in a different light; assessments serve as a way to collect data on students’ educational progress. Assessments help teachers guide instruction for the entire class and individualize instruction for students who may need additional support or additional challenges. In addition, the State and Federal Departments of Education require certain assessments to promote student learning, and these are not optional.

2024-25 Assessments

Assessments students are taking this year include:

– which includes Phonological Awareness Literacy Screener (PALS), EMAS, and CBRS
Virginia Language & Literacy Screening System (VALLSS) – Prek – Grade 3
MAP Growth Reading – Grades 3 – 10 and students in Structured Literacy & students with reading goals in the IEP in grades 11 – 12
MAP Growth Mathematics – Grades 1 – 8 and Grade 9 students in Algebra I
Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) – Grades 2 – 8 without a previous CogAT score
Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT3) – Grade 1 and Grade 9 without a previous abilities test

The data garnered from these assessments are used by Collaborative Learning Teams (CLTs) to focus on evidence-based core (Tier 1) instruction and interventions/extensions for students who need them to achieve success.

This information will be key as teachers focus on accelerated learning. Teachers will present current grade-level material while reinforcing skills and concepts from the previous grade level. Throughout this process, teachers remain focused on supporting all students and making learning accessible.