Assessments

• Measure student growth
• Describe how close students are to meeting grade-level expectations
• Guide teachers in planning next steps in instruction
• Evaluate whether curriculum resources are effective

To learn more about different types of assessments and their purposes, see this chart.

The STAR Assessment is a district assessment administered to all students three times/year in math and literacy.  The STAR serves as a screener to identify students needing additional instruction and support.  It also serves as a benchmark throughout the year to see if students are making the appropriate expected progress.

The MCAS (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System) is a state-wide test that is given in grades 3-8 (math and reading) and grades 5 and 8 (science, technology, and engineering).  High school students also take MCAS math, reading, and biology tests in Grade 10.  Passing the high school MCAS is a graduation requirement.  Students have multiple opportunities to retake the test if needed. More information about the MCAS can be found here.

2023 MCAS Schedule can be found here.

ACCESS testing: Multilingual learner (ML) students are assessed annually to measure their proficiency in reading, writing, listening, and speaking English, as well as the progress they are making in learning English. These tests are administered in January/February.  More information about ACCESS testing can be found here. 

Informal assessments: The majority of assessments occur on a day-to-day basis within the classroom.  Teachers keep checklists, do “exit tickets” to check for understanding, give quizzes, and examine student work.  This provides a way for teachers to make adjustments to their instruction nimbly.