Assessments
Assessing the Learning of Young Students
The assessment of the development and learning of young students is an essential component of the GVA curriculum, and helps to inform continued development, learning and teaching. Students should be observed in a variety of situations, and a wide range of assessment strategies should be used. The teacher observes the young student in order to:
- identify the student level of knowledge, skills, and understanding
- build up a clear picture of the student and his or her interests
- identify what and how the student is thinking and learning
- assess the effectiveness of the environment on the student's learning
- extend the student's learning
It is important to identify the needs of each student and to view learning as a continuum, with each student achieving developmental milestones in different but relevant ways. Through listening and observing, areas of learning that the students particularly enjoy can be identified, and stimulating experiences can be planned to consolidate or extend the learning further.
GVA Assessment Plan
All new GVA students will be pre-tested with the MAPS survey tests in reading, language usage, and mathematics to develop a baseline for both setting achievement goals and measuring growth over time. Students transferring in may have data from previous schools to complement this assessment. The MAP will be administered up to three more times per academic year, essentially every quarter, before the end of each nine-week term, to assess strengths and weaknesses in students and to recommend those who will need tutoring. Results from the MAPS and CSAP will be analyzed to refine academic goals, modify student groupings, and inform instruction.
Additional testing in reading will be given throughout the school year. Students K-5 will be tested using the DIBELs reading assessment and the Voices Benchmark assessment. These assessments will be used to place student in guided reading groups based on instructional level.
Student portfolios will include writing samples from each year, along with specific sample work tied to each themed unit.
