SDoL students in September will begin taking assessments to provide information on their academic strengths and areas for growth. Teachers use this information to guide instructional decisions.
Typically, students would participate in these assessments in their classrooms at the beginning of the year to support this data collection. This year, they will participate from home.
The goal of these assessments is not perfection or mastery. Rather, having “real” data will provide more effective and useful information for teachers. While our students are learning at home, parents/guardians should ensure students participate in these assessments, not to help them determine answers. Teachers will prepare students for finding and completing the assessments when meeting with them virtually.
The table below shows which assessments students at each grade level will complete. Additional communication and materials will be provided by schools and teachers prior to the start of any assessment, the earliest of which would be September 14, 2020. This schedule will be updated, as needed, based on changes to the instructional models (transition to hybrid, etc.).
Please contact your child’s teacher with any questions.
First Phase (Mid September – Beginning/Mid October)
| Students | Assessments |
|---|---|
| Kindergarten (K5) | IRLA: Reading Level Star Early Literacy (Reading & Math) |
| Grades 1 & 2 | IRLA: Reading Level Star Math |
| Grades 3 - 6 | IRLA: Reading Level Math CDT |
| Grades 7 & 8 | Reading CDT Math CDT |
| Grades 9 - 11 | Math CDT (Algebra & Geometry) Biology CDT |
Second Phase (Mid/Late October)
| Students | Assessments |
|---|---|
| Grades 3 - 6 | Reading CDT |
| Grades 9 - 11 | Literature CDT |
The Independent Reading Level Assessment (IRLA) is given to all students in Kindergarten through Grade 6 during the first month of school to identify students’ current reading levels. This is repeated throughout the year as students show signs of being ready for the next level of instruction.
The CDT, Star Early Literacy, and Star Math assessments are given to determine each student’s strengths and needs according to PA Core Standards. Teachers use the results to make decisions regarding whole group, small group, and individualized instruction and also to track student progress over time.