Assessment

A balanced assessment system is a core component of a well-rounded instructional program that serves all students. A balanced assessment system effectively measures the depth and breadth of student learning and monitors student progress towards college and career readiness. It also produces actionable data that informs planning for instruction, academic supports, and resource allocation at all levels. To meet these goals, a balanced assessment system must include multiple measures and be responsive to the needs of all students.

A Balanced Assessment System

Benchmark Assessment System determines a student's independent and instructional reading levels and behaviors.  Students read leveled books in one on one reading conferences three times a year.  BAS assessments allow teachers to plan for meaningful instruction and monitor progress.

Adapted from CPS Assessment Framework

Key to designing a balanced assessment system that supports the instructional core is the use of multiple measures. A single style of assessment or a single point in time measure is insufficient to truly gauge the depth and breadth of student understanding. A complete overview of D97 common assessments is presented on the following pages, in both a table and frequency view. Note that classroom-level formative assessments are occurring all the time in this model. Those assessments can include in-the-moment checks for understanding, exit tickets, etc. The bulk of assessments in a balanced assessment are formative, whether they are at the classroom or team level.