Great educators use assessment data to make real-time decisions

and to restructure their teaching accordingly. ~ Douglas R. Reeves, 2004

The primary purpose of the Beatrice Public School’s Comprehensive Assessment System is to improve the academic achievement of each student in the district by organizing an assessment system that is aligned to state standards, district curriculum and school building goals. The assessment system is to provide accurate and timely information to all stakeholders for the purpose of improving student achievement and evaluating the district’s overall performance. The focus on improving learning provides the basis for a student-centered accountability system.

Assessment, instruction, and learning are viewed as continuous and collaborative processes involving students, parents, school personnel and the community in general. The assessment system reflects the complex nature of learning and the important roles of school, home and society in the learning process. A balance of quantitative (assessments) and qualitative (teacher observations) indicators is essential to improve learning.

Beatrice Public Schools assesses students using multiple assessments to provide us a complete picture to the puzzle. We assess students in every classroom using formative and summative assessments, along with our standardized and diagnostic assessments.

Diagnostic Assessments:

MAP (Measures of Academic Progress)

Grades K-11

Tested Areas: Reading, Language, Math, Science

MAP Fluency (Curriculum-Based Measurement)

Grades K-5

Tested Areas: Fluency, Phonics, Phonemic Awareness, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary

Standardized Assessments:

NSCAS (Nebraska Student Centered Assessment System)

Grades 3-8

Tested Areas: English-Language Arts, Math, Science

PreACT

Grade 10

Tested Areas: Reading, Language, Math, Science

ACT

Grade 11

Tested Areas: Reading, Language, Math, Science, Writing

What STUDENTS think about and do with assessment results is as important

as what adults think and do…they must be partners. ~ Assessment Training Institute, 2007