The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

April is here, which means it is almost time for our annual summative assessments (i.e., SAT, PSAT, CMAS). Summative assessments are used to make systems-level decisions about curriculum and instruction. It is aligned to grade level standards and happens once a year. Summative assessments should not be scary. It is simply to see if our students have mastered grade level standards for English Language Arts (reading and writing), Math and Science. It is similar to the work they do each day. Each session is timed, but most students finish before the time is over. Please encourage your student to take and do well on the assessment as they do with every other classroom assignment and test.

Our Summative Assessment Schedule is:

• SAT (11th grade only): April 13 in the morning* at the Community Center (SAT is a graduation metric).

• PSAT (ninth and 10th grades): nineth grade on April 11 and 10th grade on April 14.

• CMAS ELA (third through eighth grades): April 11, 12 and 14 (only one session each day).

• CMAS Math (third through eighth grades): April 19 and 20 (two sessions on the 19th and one on the 20th).

• CMAS Science (fifth, eighth and 11th only): April 21 and 22 (two sessions on the 21st and one on the 22).

*all sessions for SAT & PSAT must be completed at one time.

Please read more about each type of assessment and the purpose for each below:

Formative Assessment:

Assessment for learning - daily outcomes

Purpose:

• Directs instructional decision making

• Determines needed supports/scaffolding

Examples: Quick write, quiz, academic discourse

Interim Assessments:

Often given at the beginning, middle and end of the year. NWEA is a computer adaptive test, which means that it may go above and below grade level standards. It shows a students' achievement level and their growth over time. It gives individual student information and where they are (below, at or above grade level). Some interim assessment assess a portion of the standards (i.e. end of module/unit/chapter assessments)

Purpose:

• Teachers can use data to determine curriculum needs for students.

• Measure of Student Growth (MSLs/MSOs) for teacher evaluation.

• Some initial grouping of students.

• Possible additions and/or support to upcoming modules/units.

Examples: NWEA, IXL, End of Module/Unit/Chapter Assessments

Summative Assessments:

Assessments aligned to grade level, content standards used to determine systemic needs

Purpose:

• Determine curriculum gaps and strengths.

• Compare results with districts with similar demographics and size.

• Aligned to grade level standards (not computer adaptive).

• Program improvement.

Examples: SAT, PSAT, CMAS.

Marsha Cody is Superintendent of Haxtun Schools. She may be reached at (970) 776-6111 or by email at [email protected].