Current Assessments

Formative Assessments

The goal of formative assessment is to monitor student learning to provide ongoing feedback that can be used by instructors to improve teaching and learning.

Examples:

• Homework
• Draw a concept map in class to represent their understanding of a topic
• Submit one or two sentences identifying the main point of a lecture
• Turn in a research proposal for early feedback

Summative Assessments

A summative assessment differs from a formative assessment in that it is designedto evaluate learning that has taken place. Teachers frequently meet as grade level or department groups to create these assessments specific to content area units. These common assessments are a best practice to ensure that the content of instruction in Mrs. Jones’ room is the same as that of the instruction in Mr. Smith’s room.

Types of Common Assessments:

• Quizzes
• Unit tests
• Grade Level Projects

Standardized Assesments

Standardized testing provides the district with a snapshot of student performance at a certain point in time, compared to state or national groups.

Types of Standardized Assessments used in DCRSD:

• MCAS "Next Generation" (Gr. 3,4,5,6,7,8, 10)
• Grade 10 MCAS Next-Gen Resources

Benchmark Assessments

Benchmark assessments are a type of standardized assessment that are completed at regular intervals. In our district, this occurs three times per year. The purpose of these assessments is to monitor student progress, using the same instrument, so that instruction can be tailored to remediation or challenge work.

Types of Common Assessments used in DCRSD

• STAR 360 Early Literacy- (Gr. K-1)
• STAR 360- Reading & Math (Gr. 2-8)