Testing and Assessments

Standardized Testing

The results of standardized testing serve as one indicator of strengths and abilities. At Shepardson we rely mostly on daily classroom performance and teachers' frequent evaluation of progress. Classroom performance and formal testing are used in combination to help us assess a child's growth in academic performance.

Parents are informed prior to formal testing to help ensure that their child is rested, has a good breakfast, and is prepared emotionally for these exams. Over-emphasis on testing can cause undue pressure on a child and can negatively impact a child's performance. Since scheduling retests for those absent can be difficult with given time constraints, we encourage parents to have healthy children at school for these tests.

Results of state formal testing are sent home to parents at the end of the school year or in the fall. We encourage you to contact your child's teacher, counselor or principal for more information.

Level Testing

Level tests in Reading and Mathematics are administered in the spring to students in grades 2-6. Scores reflect performance on a progressive scale called RIT which means students' scores should rise each year. A parent guide to this testing (S.A.L.T.) is provided to parents upon request explaining what is measured on each test and what the scores mean.

Reading Assessments

All primary students (K-2) will be assessed with Individualized Reading and/or Reading Readiness tests. Kindergartners are assessed in the spring. All students in grades 1-2 are assessed in the fall and the spring. Students in grades 3-6 who qualify for an Individualized Learning Plan or through a teacher referral are assessed in the fall and the spring. The early assessments include (1) Rosner Phonemic Awareness, (2) BRI Reading Inventory, and (3) Marie Clay Letter Identification. When students are reading, we use the BRI Reading Inventory. The STAR Reading Testing program is also available for teachers to use along with other assessments that are aligned with standards and are available through the Literacy/ELL Department.

CSAP (Colorado State Assessment Performance)

During February or March, the State of Colorado requires this comprehensive testing program to determine student progress on the state curricular standards. Below is the latest schedule for elementary students as of 2004-05:

3rd - 6th Grade Students --- Reading, Writing, and Math