Assessments

Students will participate in a wide variety of assessments throughout the year. Teachers will use informal and formal assessments, assignments, projects and unit tests on a regular basis to track student’s learning on specific learning targets. They will use the data collected to inform their instruction and better meet the needs of the students. Students will also participate in several standardized benchmark assessments throughout the year including:

  • STAR reading, an assessment of reading comprehension and skills for independent readers including word knowledge, comprehension strategies, literary analysis, and evaluating text. (3 times a year – once each trimester)
     
  • STAR math, an assessment of math achievement that tracks development in numbers and operations, algebra, geometry and measurement, data analysis, statistics, and probability. (3 times a year – once each trimester)
     
  • School-Wide Literacy Assessment (SWLA), an assessment of the student’s ability to write a cohesive essay on an assigned topic. Students are provided with articles and video clips on the topic and are asked to determine the main ideas and supporting details. Students complete notes as they read and gather information and use the information to complete an essay answering a specific prompt related to the topic. The student’s writing is assessed using a standardized rubric. Information collected from the SWLA helps inform the school-wide English Language Arts instruction that occurs in all classes. (2 times a year - Fall and Winter)
     
  • ISAT 2.0 The purpose of the Idaho Standard Achievement Test (ISAT) is to describe student achievement and growth of student learning as part of program evaluation and the school, district, and the state accountability system; provide valid, reliable, and fair measures of students' progress toward, and attainment of the knowledge and skills required to be college- and career-ready. (1 time a year – April/May)

 

Preparing for Assessments

During testing periods we ask parents and guardians to help and encourage your students for their test by using the following strategies.

  • Put your student's test dates on your calendar and try to avoid schedule other appointments during school time.
  • Encourage your student to study and prepare for the test.
  • Encourage your student to do tehir best and emphasize the importance of giving their best effort.
  • Speak positively about the test and the importance of their being prepared. 

 

Test Day

  • Make sure your child gets a good night's rest the night before.
  • Make sure they get a good breakfast for test day.
  • Encourage them to do their best.
  • See that your child arrives to school on time and is relaxed.

 Strategis for Reducing Test Anxiety

  • Discuss the test openly and in a postive way.
  • Have realistic expectations and encourage them to do their best.
  • Emphasize that the test is only one measure of academic performance.