Philosophy of Assessment
Allen ISD believes that assessment provides the
information necessary to improve student performance.
Assessing student performance is an integral part of the
instructional process because it allows professional
staff to make informed decisions, set priorities,
allocate resources, and be accountable to students,
parents and community. It is also a method by which
state and federal education authorities determine the
district’s progress and effectiveness.
Allen ISD is committed to using a variety of assessment
techniques to capture both the breadth and depth of
student learning over time. It is also committed to
providing a scaffold sequence of assessments that
serve as screening instruments for program
identification and placement as well as resources for
student support teams. Within that structured sequence,
test scores are valid for two years, thereby reducing
the need for individual testing of students for initial
screening to meet program criteria.
2007–2008 Allen ISD Assessment Calendar
Tests Administered in Allen ISD
TAKS – Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills
The TAKS test is a state-mandated assessment used to
determine how well students have mastered the Texas
Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), which is the
state curriculum in reading, math, writing, science and
social studies. TAKS is administered to students yearly
beginning in 3rd grade. Meeting the passing standard in
English/language arts, math, science and social studies
is a graduation requirement in the State of Texas. Since
2003, students in grade 3 must pass the TAKS reading in
order to be promoted. In 2005, students in
grade 5 had to pass both the reading and math portions of TAKS to meet promotion requirements.
Beginning in 2008, students in grade 8 must meet the
same promotion requirements.
The TAKS test is a criterion-referenced instrument. A
criterion-referenced (CRT) test is a measurement that
relates test items to specific learning objectives which
students have been taught. Since a criterion-referenced
test measures a student’s performance on each objective,
the results are particularly useful in instructional
planning. Areas of high and low student performance are
easily identifiable, and remedial programs focusing on
deficit areas can be devised.
TAKS-A – Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills
Accomodated
The TAKS-A assesses special education students in
reading and math in grades 3-10 and in writing
in grades 4, 7 and 10. Students tested are those who are
receiving instruction in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills
(TEKS) but for whom the TAKS test is considered an
inappropriate measure of their academic progress.
Students are assessed at their enrolled
grade levels.
TPRI – Texas Primary Reading Inventory
The TPRI is a state approved instrument which is used to
measure the reading development of young students in
kindergarten through third grade. The measurement
provides for early identification of reading skills and
comprehension development, thereby giving teachers
useful information for targeted instructional
assistance. The assessment is administered individually
in September, January and May to students in grades 1
and 2; in September and January to students in grade 3;
and in January and May to students in kindergarten.
TELPAS – Texas English Language Proficiency
Assessment System
TELPAS was developed by the Texas Education Agency
in response to federal testing requirements of the No
Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB). The assessment
system, which was first implemented in 2005, has two
components: the Reading Proficiency Tests in English (RPTE)
and the Texas Observation Protocols (TOP). Both
components are designed to assess the progress that
limited English proficient (LEP) students make in
learning the English language.
RPTE – Reading Proficiency Test in English
The RPTE is designed for limited English proficient
students whose ability to demonstrate general reading
skills is often obscured by their limited understanding
of the English language. RPTE measures English
reading ability according to a language proficiency
continuum that is based on the stages of language
development of second language learners. The RPTE
results provide an understanding of the educational
needs of LEP students. The test is given to LEP students
in grades 3-12 each spring until they are no longer
classified as LEP.TOP –
Texas Observation Protocols
The TOP allow teachers to holistically rate each LEP
student's English language proficiency based on
classroom observation and daily interactions. TOP
measures the following language domains:
Grades K-2 listening, speaking,
reading, writing
Grades 3-12 listening, speaking, writing
TOP ratings are completed on each LEP student K-12
during the spring of each year.
ITBS – Iowa Test of Basic Skills, Form M
The ITBS is a norm-referenced achievement test which
gives a broad, general picture of an individual
student’s achievement compared to the achievement of
other students in a norm group from across the nation.
The test measures basic concepts and procedures rather
than in-depth understanding or student production of
knowledge. The results provide a “snapshot” of student
achievement at a certain point in time. The ITBS is
administered yearly to students in grade 6.
CogAT – Cognitive Abilities Test, Form 6
The CogAT assesses the level and pattern of cognitive
development of students, measuring both general and
specific reasoning abilities. These abilities are
assessed in three domains: verbal, quantitative, and
nonverbal. The results of the CogAT are used by teachers
to adapt instruction to the needs and abilities of their
students and by student support teams as a resource in
developing interventions and support. The CogAT is
administered to students in Allen ISD in kindergarten
and second grade.
PSAT – Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test
The PSAT is the qualifying examination for the National
Merit Scholarship Program and is administered in October
of each year by The College Board to 10th and 11th grade
students. The test measures verbal reasoning skills,
math problem-solving skills, critical reading skills and
writing skills that have been developed by students
during the course of their education. The PSAT serves as
a valuable tool to assist students and their parents
with early college preparation and planning.
SAT – Scholastic Aptitude Test
Universally accepted for college admissions, the SAT is
a reasoning test that students need to complete college
level work in any academic area. It is a three hour test
that is administered by The College Board and measures
two sets of skills – verbal and mathematical reasoning.
A new SAT will begin in spring of 2005. Among other
changes, the test will include a writing section, and
the SAT math section will be expanded to cover three
years of high school math.
ACT – ACT Assessment
The ACT is a national college admissions examination
which covers four skill areas: English, mathematics,
reading and science. It is designed to assess high
school students’ general educational development and
their ability to complete college level work. The ACT
includes 215 multiple choice questions and takes
approximately three hours to complete. Beginning in
February 2005, a 30-minute Writing Test will be added to
the ACT Assessment as an optional component. |
|
