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Rockwood School District

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Local Assessments

In addition to required state tests, a variety of locally-determined assessments are used in Rockwood. Annually, the Testing and Assessment Advisory Committee reviews and recommends updates to the Assessment Plan. Assessments are selected according to identified needs and priorities. When appropriate, assessments are selected which can provide information for a variety of needs. Examples of criteria used when considering assessments include:

  • Relationship to Rockwood-defined purposes/areas of measure
  • Impact/Benefits/Utility
  • Quality/Reliability/Validity/Bias
  • Design (purpose, intended population, required time, cost/resources, delivery method, item types, etc.)
  • Continuity of data between assessments and over time
  • Limitations

Each year, recommended changes to the Assessment Plan are taken to the Rockwood Board of Education for approval along with the proposed Large-Scale Testing Calendar.

External Achievement Assessments

Assessment Name Overview/Purpose Population How Data are Used and Shared Estimated Student Time Required Testing Window(s)
STAR Enterprise: STAR Reading STAR Early Literacy STAR CBM STAR Math All students in grades 1-9 (reading) and grades 1-8* (math) are assessed 3 or more times annually to measure student learning. This nationally-normed computer adaptive assessment provides valuable information to teachers and students regarding growth and progress toward skill attainment. As required by Missouri statute (Section 167.950,RSMo.), STAR in connection with Fastbridge and BAS will serve as universal screening tools for reading. Grades 1-9 (Reading)
9th Grade Excludes Honors and ALARP Grades 1-5 (Math) *Grades 6-8 (Math) (Excluding Alg1, Alg 2, Geometry)
Performance data are available in near-real time and are used to adjust daily instruction. Overall scores can be generated along with specific reporting at the learning standard level. Results of these common assessments help drive continuous improvement efforts within the classroom, school, and district. Results are also utilized to screen for programs such as Rockwood's Gifted Program and Reading Intervention. 25 minutes per subject per assessment Fall, Winter, Spring
Fastbridge Reading Math This one-on-one assessment is administered up to three times/year to assess phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding and fluency. As required by Missouri statute (Section 167.950,RSMo.), Fastbridge in connection with STAR and BAS will serve as universal screening tools for reading. Assess numeral identification, match quantity, number sequence and decomposing numbers Grades K-1, 2-3 - as needed (Reading) Grade K (Math)
1-5 as needed
Data are utilized by teachers, PLCs and RtI teams within each school to provide appropriate supports for students. 12 minutes/ student 4.5 minutes/ student Fall, Winter, Spring
Individual Reading Record
(BAS-Benchmark Assessment System or FPC Fountas andPinnell Classroom)
This one-on-one assessment is administered to students in grades K-5* a minimum of 2 times annually to measure Fountas and Pinnell reading levels and to identify student strengths and potential areas of growth in the area of reading. Depending on student needs, additional assessments may be administered as needed. Fall – All students grades 1-5 Spring- students Grades 1-5 with an IRL on Winter STAR below grade level +.5. Data are gathered by listening to students read passages and carry on comprehension conversations. This provides measures of accuracy, fluency, and comprehension. Teachers use these results to help provide differentiated reading instruction for all students. Approx. 20 minutes per assessment Fall and Spring
Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement (KTEA-III Brief) Assessment of academic skills in reading and math. KTEA-III is an achievement assessment that can be used when other achievement scores are not available for gifted identification. K-12
Selected students needing achievement scores for gifted identification
Data are used within the gifted identification process. Student results are shared with school and parents. 45 minutes Ongoing
AAPPL The ACTFL Assessment of Performance Towards Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL) addresses the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages, and uses today's communication media in which test takers perform tasks such as participating in a virtual video chat, creating wikis, e-mailing, and using apps to demonstrate language ability. World Language Levels 3 and above (French, German, and Spanish) Scores are returned to the district approximately 2 weeks following the assessment. Scores are reported on ACTFL's proficiency continuum. Data are shared with students, buildings, and the district. Scores are also used as criteria for Seal of Biliteracy. 2 hours Spring
PreACT The PreACT provides students with a realistic ACT test experience and provides predicted ACT performance. The PreACT also includes a student interest inventory with results reported to the student and school. A total of 4 subject areas are assessed: English, reading, math and science. *Limited accommodations are available with this assessment Grade 10 Performance data are estimated to be available within 10 days and provide students and educators with individual student strengths and areas for improvement in each of the four subject areas. Students and educators will have access to item analysis and questions used within the assessment to review. A variety of printable score reports are available which can be used to inform students and families of their strengths and areas for improvement. 3.5 Hours Fall
Practice ACT The Practice ACT is a released ACT assessment. A total of 4 subject areas are assessed: English, reading, math and science. The Practice ACT will provide a realistic ACT test experience to help students prepare for the Statewide Administration in April. *Limited accommodations are available with this assessment Grade 11 Performance data are available in near-real time and provide educators and students with individual strengths and areas for improvement in each of the four subject areas. Results will provide ACT composite score and subject area scores to help students prepare for the ACT in April. Educators will have access to item analysis and questions used within the assessment to review. 3.5 Hours Fall
ACT This has been part of the State Assessment plan until 17-18. Rockwood has offered the ACT to all Juniors since the 10-11 school year. ACT provides student information to assist with planning for post high school experiences. In addition to an overall Composite score, students receive sub-test scores in the areas of English, mathematics, reading and science Reasoning. Grade 11 Student-level reports are provided to families approximately 3-8 weeks following the testing date. District-wide performance data are returned to districts in the fall of the school year following testing. Data are used at the state level for accountability and at the district/school/classroom level to monitor and improve instructional programs. 4.5 hours Spring
NWEA Algebra NWEA Algebra Growth scores help teachers check student performance by measuring achievement and growth. NWEA Algebra Growth assessments are unique, and it adapts to your child's responses to measure your child's skill level. Students taking Algebra 1 NWEA Algebra Growth assessment data will be viewed by teachers to support classroom instruction. 50 minutes Fall, Winter, Spring

Abilities Assessments

Assessment Name Overview/Purpose Population How Data are Used and Shared Estimated Student Time Required Testing Window(s)
Kingore Observation Inventory (KOI) Selected activities are used as an universal screening tool to identify students with specific, observable characteristics of giftedness. K, Grade 3 KOI scores are used as the initial criteria in the screening and identification process for gifted education services. Scores are shared with gifted education psychometrists and parents to identify students needing additional testing. Four 30 minute sessions Fall, Spring
CogAT Screener This Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) screener measures students' learned reasoning abilities and problem-solving skills. Grade 2 CogAT scores are used in the Gifted Education identification process and provide classroom teachers with important information about student skills and readiness. 30 minutes Fall
WPPSI-IV, WISC-V, Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (1-8) These assessments measure cognitive or reasoning ability. Age appropriate assessment will be administered to students identified through KOI, STAR, and CogAT screening process. Students identified by KOI, STAR, and CogAT screener tools. WPPSI-IV up to age 6 WISC-V Age 6+ Results are used as 1 of 3 separate measurements in identifying gifted students to receive gifted services. Data is shared with school staff and parents. 45-90 minutes Ongoing

Character / Climate Assessments

Assessment Name Overview/Purpose Population How Data are Used and Shared Estimated Student Time Required Testing Window(s)
Missouri Student Survey This state survey is a valuable way to learn more about students' tobacco, drug, and alcohol use, as well as bullying, mental health, and other information. It helps to assess student attitudes and behaviors regarding factors relating to fostering safe and drug-free learning. Grades 6 – 12 students in Health/PE classes The results are important to help plan prevention activities and provide information necessary for local grants. 20 minutes February/March (Even End years only)
Not in 22-23
Student SEL and Climate Survey This is a local assessment/survey given to all students 3-12 to aid schools and students in learning more about Social and Emotional Learning characteristics of themselves and the school environment. Survey questions are perceptual and are linked to SEL domains (Climate, Sense of Belonging, Social Awareness, Student-Teacher Relationships, Self-Management, and Self-Efficacy) Grades K-12 Analysis of the data, subsequent goal setting, and action planning by school level teams allows for cohort analysis of climate and SEL, and longitudinal analysis of change during the school year. 15 minutes Fall,
Spring