RACS STUDENT ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION

Assessment is the process of obtaining and analyzing data for use by teachers, administrators, and parents in order to review, plan, and improve learning for students.  The data that is collected and analyzed is fully integrated with the delivery of the curriculum and is an essential part of providing a rigorous curriculum and instruction.  Assessment at RACS is used in order to support each student to reach their fullest potential and foster the development of self-esteem and confidence.  Assessment allows for reflective practices for all staff and students. It is guided by the teacher and the outcomes provide teachers with a guide to link curriculum and instruction based on assessment.

Evaluation refers to making judgments based on the assessments about student performance, primarily for the purpose of keeping track of student achievement and ensuring success for all students.

Methods of Assessing Student Progress

A)    In order to determine how well the students are learning, assessments are systematically designed to gather information on the achievement of the curriculum outcomes.

At the beginning of each year, each subject teacher works on creating a curriculum map that is aligned with New York State and Common Core Standards for the academic year that integrates ongoing assessment through benchmark and practice examinations.  Not only benchmarks, but students are given ample opportunities to demonstrate their learning and development with the use of formative, summative, formal, and informal classroom assessments. 

B)    Benchmark tests are administered to assess student performance and collect performance data throughout the instructional year rather than wait for end-of-year state-mandated test results to determine academic progress.  Benchmark assessments are valid standards-based assessments administered to RACS students four times a year.  The results from the benchmarks assessments are utilized in determining student growth and performance as it relates to state and federal mandates for student achievement. 

                                   Mandatory Benchmark Tests

Middle School (Grades 7 & 8)                        High School (Grades 9-12)

ELA                                                                        Integrated Algebra

Mathematics                                                        Living Environment

Science                                                                 Earth Science

Social Studies                                                     Comprehensive English (ELA 11)

Global History

U.S. History

C)    MAP (Practice) Test is a practice test that is a simulation of the actual state test and is administered twice a year.  These full lengths tests allow us to collect data on students’ academic achievement and consider their strengths and weaknesses.  Based on their performance on the practice and benchmark exams, students are placed in mandatory after-school tutoring, Saturday School, and Winter and Spring Academies.   

                                    Mandatory MAP (Practice) Tests

Middle School (Grades 7 & 8)                                High School (Grades 9-12)

ELA                                                                                Integrated Algebra

Mathematics                                                                Living Environment

Science                                                                         Earth Science

Social Studies                                                             Comprehensive English (ELA 11)

Global History

U.S. History

D)    As a result of various assessments implemented in the classroom, benchmark and practice tests, students’ academic progress is carefully examined and necessary supports are put in place early in the year to encourage academic growth.  There are after-school tutoring sessions offered in each subject area taught by the classroom teacher.  Students are assigned to tutoring based on their achievement on benchmark and practice tests. 

Recording and reporting

Recording and reporting of assessments and evaluations ensures regular and relevant communication of student achievement and progress to parents, students, teachers, and administrators.  The results of each benchmark and practice test are made available to parents, students, teachers, and administrators on the school database in order to ensure transparency of student progress. 

After each benchmark test, each subject area teacher and administrators formally meet and discuss student progress and make decisions about interventions that need to be put in place.  In addition to the meeting, teachers fill out a benchmark reflection report that includes information about how specific students whom may not have achieved success will be supported through various interventions.  The records of these are kept consistently to allow effective monitoring of students’ progress. 

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