Assessments

We regularly assess students and their progress as they move through school. 

Teachers use formative and summative assessments to measure academic progress and provide support as needed for students.  Parents and guardians can monitor classroom assessments through the use of Online Grades.  Click here to login.  If you need support logging in, please contact your student’s school.

Benchmark assessments are administered in reading and math, throughout the school year (Fall, Winter, Spring) and consist of large clusters of standards.  The purpose of benchmark assessments are to inform teachers which standards students have mastered at that point in time and shared with families during student led conferences.

Families may refuse testing of their student by contacting their school's testing coordinator.

 

In grades 3-5, 6-8, and 10, students are required to participate in statewide assessments in English Language Arts and Mathematics on the Smarter Balanced Assessments. In grades 5, 8, and 11, students are required to participate in the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS). Families may refuse testing of their student by contacting their school's testing coordinator.

 

To see a full list of required state and federal assessments, visit the state website here.

SBA scores are one way students can fulfill a graduation pathway requirement. Learn more here.

OSPI K-2 Literacy Screener (Dyslexia)

Students in Grades K-2 will be screened for indicators and areas of weakness associated with dyslexia. Franklin Pierce Schools utilizes FastBridge universal screener and Rapid Automatized Naming (RAN) Gander Assessments.

What is a Literacy Screener?

A literacy screener is a short, informal test that is given to all students to determine whether further testing is needed. It is not a formal evaluation for learning difficulties.

Why is my student being screened?

• Early and intense intervention to address reading difficulties is the vest way to prevent early problems from becoming for severe over time.
• With early identification and intervention, students at risk for reading difficulties, including dyslexia, can succeed in school and grow as independent learners, able to chart and direct their own path after graduation.

Family Resources

• Educational Information for Parents and Families (English) (Spanish) (Other languages)
• Family and Caregivers Discussion Guide (English) (Spanish) (Other languages)
• Dyslexia Fact Sheet
• OSPI website - About Dyslexia
• Franklin Pierce Schools Multi-Tiered System of Supports

 

 

The state also measures achievement of special populations and subject areas.

OSPI Developed Assessments (Formerly Classroom Based/Performance Assessments)

Annual assessment and reporting in regards to Social Studies, The Arts, Health, Fitness, and Educational Technology.  The assessments are multi-stepped tasks or projects aligned to specific state standards which target subject area skills and knowledge.  Demonstrating proficiency means they have met grade level expectations for applying understanding of content knowledge, concepts and skills.

World-Class Instructional Design and Assessment (WIDA) - English Language

WIDA and WIDA Alternate Access annually assesses the need for English Language Learner support and growth in English language development of English language learners to determine eligibility for services.  WIDA and WIDA Alternate Access assesses reading, writing, listening and speaking knowledge and skills.

Measures ability in academic areas as well as vocationally oriented skills (electronic, mechanics and spatial relations).  Scores are valid for two years and are not utilized by the armed services without the student’s consent.

Who: 11^th and 12^th graders

When: December

Where: FPHS or WHS

Cost: free

Measures understanding of English, math, reading, and science.  An optional writing portion is also available.

Who: 11^th and 12^th graders

When: throughout the year, see ACT website for details, here

Where: locations vary

Cost: $39.50 - $56.50, fee waivers available, please see your counselor

Useful as a practice for taking college admission tests and is used to determine participation in the NMSQT program, as well as give access to College Search.  College Search is a program that gives students national college information.

Who: 9th, 10^th and 11^th graders

When: October

Where: FPHS or WHS

Cost: District paid

Designed to assess readiness for college.  Tests knowledge and application of reading, writing and math.

Who: 11^th and 12^th graders

When: throughout the year, see College Board website for details, here

Where: locations vary

Cost: $43 - $54.50; fee waivers available, please see your counselor