Assessment

Measuring student progress and achievement

Student assessment in the Kennewick School District provides clear, meaningful and balanced information about student learning. Assessment serves the needs of students, teachers, parents, administrators and the community by:

Showing student progress toward meeting Washington State K-12 Learning Standards.
Guiding district and classroom improvement efforts.
Clarifying what students are expected to know and be able to do.

Types of Assessments

Formative Assessments

are standards-based processes used by teachers and students during instruction that provide actionable feedback that is used to adjust instruction and learning strategies during the learning.

Think: Assessment FOR Learning.

Summative Assessments

are standards-based. They
generally happen after
instruction and used to evaluate student learning or determine grades.

Think: Assessment OF Learning.

Balanced assessment systems use a variety of standards-based assessments – formative and summative – to drive the teaching and learning process, making effective decisions about what comes next for learning, program effectiveness, and closing achievement gaps.

Find out more about types of assessment

Classroom Formative Assessments

Classroom formative assessments serve a crucial role in the educational process, aiming to inform instruction, provide immediate feedback, and set goals for both educators and students.

These assessments are standards-based and focus on understanding student learning and addressing misconceptions. Here are some commonly used formative assessment methods:

Standards-Based Activities
Purpose: To align assessments with specific learning standards.

Learn more about standards-based activities

Standards-Based Lesson Exit Tickets
Purpose: Quick assessments at the end of a lesson to gauge understanding and identify areas of confusion.

Explore the use of exit tickets

STAR Math/Reading Progress Monitoring
Purpose: To track individual student progress in math and reading skills.

Find information on STAR assessments

Lesson Activities and Tasks
Purpose: Engaging activities and tasks that provide ongoing assessment opportunities.

Classroom Discussions
Purpose: To assess students' understanding through active participation and dialogue.

Observation Charts
Purpose: Systematic observation of students to gather data on their progress.

Digital Tools: Google Forms, Quizlet, FlipGrid, Padlet
Purpose: Utilize technology for formative assessments and collaborative activities.

Self-Evaluations
Purpose: Engage students in reflecting on their own learning and setting goals.

Anecdotal Notes and Observations
Purpose: Informal notes taken by teachers during class to record observations and insights.

Classroom Summative Assessments

Classroom summative assessments play a crucial role in evaluating cumulative learning at the end of instruction or at periodic intervals. These assessments align with Washington State Learning Standards and contribute to a comprehensive understanding of student proficiency.

Here are some key summative assessment methods commonly used in Washington State:

End of Unit, Chapter, Story Assessments
- Purpose: Assess understanding and mastery of content at the conclusion of a unit, chapter, or story.
- Alignment: Ensure assessments directly address Washington State Learning Standards for the corresponding subject and grade level.
Performance Tasks
- Purpose: Evaluate students' ability to apply knowledge and skills to real-world scenarios.
- Alignment: Design tasks that align with Washington State Learning Standards and reflect the depth of understanding specified in the standards.
Final Projects
- Purpose: Showcase comprehensive understanding and application of knowledge over an extended period.
- Alignment: Develop projects that align with specific subject standards and allow students to demonstrate proficiency in various skills.
SBA Interims (Smarter Balanced Assessment Interims)
- Purpose: Periodic assessments aligned with the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) to provide interim snapshots of student progress.
- Alignment: Ensure SBA Interims are designed in accordance with the Washington State 2013 K-12 Learning Standards, reflecting the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and other applicable standards.
- Learn more about SBA Interims
Statewide Standardized Tests
- Purpose: Comprehensive assessments administered at the state level, such as the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) in math and English language arts.
- Alignment: Directly tied to Washington State Learning Standards, providing a statewide measure of student achievement.
- Washington State Assessment Program
Teacher-Developed Assessments
- Purpose: Custom assessments created by teachers to evaluate specific learning objectives.
- Alignment: Ensure that teacher-developed assessments align with Washington State Learning Standards and cover the essential content.
District Assessments
- Purpose: Periodic assessments developed at the district level to gauge student understanding and inform instructional decisions.
- Alignment: Align district assessments with state standards to ensure consistency and relevance.

STAR Assessments

STAR Assessments, including Star Early Literacy (SEL), Star Reading (SR), Star Math (SM), and Star Computer-Adaptive Benchmark (CBM), are widely used tools to monitor and measure student progress in Washington State. These assessments provide valuable insights into individual student performance and help inform instructional decisions.

Here's how STAR Assessments align with the educational landscape in Washington State:

Star Early Literacy (SEL)
- Purpose: Assess early literacy skills and readiness in young learners.
- Alignment: SEL aligns with foundational literacy standards outlined in Washington State Learning Standards for early childhood education.
- Learn more about Star Early Literacy
Star Reading (SR)
- Purpose: Evaluate reading comprehension and skills across different grade levels.
- Alignment: SR aligns with Washington State Learning Standards for English language arts, providing a measure of student proficiency in reading.
- Explore Star Reading
Star Math (SM)
- Purpose: Assess mathematical proficiency and skills.
- Alignment: SM aligns with Washington State Learning Standards for mathematics, offering insights into individual student performance in various math domains.
- Discover Star Math
Star Computer-Adaptive Benchmark (CBM)
- Purpose: Benchmark assessment to monitor student progress in reading and math.
- Alignment: CBM aligns with both English language arts and mathematics standards in Washington State, providing a comprehensive view of student growth.
- Explore Star CBM
Integration with Washington State Learning Standards
- STAR Assessments are designed to align with and support Washington State Learning Standards in English language arts and mathematics. This alignment ensures that the assessments provide relevant and meaningful data to educators.
Individualized Learning Paths
- STAR Assessments generate individualized learning paths based on student performance, enabling educators to tailor instruction to meet specific learning needs and address areas of growth.
Data-Informed Decision-Making
- Educators in Washington State utilize STAR data to make informed decisions about curriculum, instruction, and interventions, aligning with the state's commitment to data-driven educational practices.

For more information about STAR Assessments, including Star Early Literacy, Star Reading, Star Math, and Star Computer-Adaptive Benchmark, visit Renaissance.

District Summative Assessments

State Summative Assessments

State assessments are used to show families that their children are progressing toward college and career readiness and that the district's curriculum is effectively teaching the state's learning standards. State testing is required by state and federal law and is a graduation pathway.

Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA)
The Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBA) is the state assessment in math and English language arts. Students in grades 3-8 and 10 take the SBA in math and English language arts. Most high school juniors also take the SBA in math. Tests are usually taken between mid-March and early June. Students are not timed, and the test is taken online.

Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS)
The Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS) measures the level of proficiency that Washington students have achieved based on the Washington State 2013 K-12 Science Learning Standards, which are the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). All students are assessed on their knowledge of the standards through the WCAS in grades 5, 8 and 11.

Testing of English language learners
The WIDA Screener and WIDA Access are used to determine eligibility for English language development services and measure a child's English language knowledge and skills.

Testing of kindergartners
The Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Developing Skills (WaKIDS) assessment is a process for welcoming children and their families to kindergarten, assessing each child's strengths, discussing the characteristics of children’s development and learning what will enable them to be successful in school.

Testing for students receiving special education services
Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams determine how each student in special education participates in state testing.

Learn more about testing requirements for students receiving special education services (OSPI).

National Summative Assessment

National summative assessments play a crucial role in evaluating the cumulative learning and overall educational progress of students in Washington state. These assessments are designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of students' academic achievements and contribute to the ongoing improvement of the state's education system. The following key assessments are administered to students across various grade levels:

National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)

NAEP serves as a benchmark for assessing the academic performance of students in Washington. It provides valuable insights into the state's educational landscape and helps policymakers make informed decisions to enhance the quality of education.

Learn more about NAEP

Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test (PSAT)

Administered to high school students, the PSAT serves as a preparatory assessment for the SAT. It helps students identify areas for improvement and supports their preparation for college entrance exams.

Explore the PSAT

Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)

The SAT is a widely recognized college admissions test that assesses a student's readiness for higher education. It evaluates critical reading, writing, and mathematical skills and is an essential component of college applications.

Discover more about the SAT

American College Testing (ACT)

Similar to the SAT, the ACT is a standardized test used for college admissions. It assesses students' academic skills in English, mathematics, reading, and science, providing colleges with a comprehensive view of their readiness for higher education.

Get information about the ACT

Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB)

AP and IB programs offer advanced coursework to high school students. The corresponding exams evaluate students' mastery of college-level material and provide opportunities to earn college credit. Successful completion demonstrates a high level of academic achievement.

Explore AP courses and exams
Learn about the IB program

In Washington state, these national assessments complement the state's testing framework, providing a more comprehensive view of students' educational achievements and college readiness. The integration of these assessments aligns with the state's commitment to preparing students for success in both higher education and future careers.

It is important to note that these assessments are integral to fulfilling federal and state educational requirements, contributing to the continuous improvement of the education system in Washington.

SMARTER BALANCED

Smarter Balanced is the test students take in grades 3-8 and in high school in Washington. The computer-based tests are designed to measure skills like research, listening and communicating reasoning. The tests require students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems, which will help them succeed after they graduate.

Washington State Testing
Smarter Balanced Assessment System (ELA and Mathematics)
NWEA – MAP Assessment
Acadience – DIBELS Assessment
CogAT and NNAT — Assessment for Highly Capable Programs
ASVAB — Assessment given at the high school level and is a pathway to graduation
SAT and ACT — Assessment options at the high school level

Department Contacts

Main Phone Number: (509) 222-5060

Alyssa St. Hilaire
Assistant Superintendent of Teaching and Learning
(509) 222-5060
Email

Kristi Lakey
Secretary
(509) 222-6579
Email

Tina Brewer
Director of Professional Development and Assessment
(509) 222-6490
Email

Amy Graham
Data Analyst
(509) 222-6418
Email

Brent Sharp
K-12 IT Coordinator
(509) 582-6777
Email

Jolene Carlson
Secretary
(509) 222-6593
Email

In This Section

Navigation