Local Assessments

Local assessments are used by teachers to analyze curricular and strategy effectiveness, considered as evidence for student progress and grading, and to help guide next steps in teaching, re-engagement, and/or support and intervention for the student. At the site and district level, local assessments are used along with state assessments and other data to guide decisions for the Local Control Area Plan (LCAP) and School Site Plans (SPSA's).

i-Ready Diagnostic K-8

The i-Ready Diagnostic is an adaptive assessment that adjusts its questions to suit your student’s needs. Each item a student sees is individualized based on their answer to the previous question. For example, a series of correct answers will result in slightly harder questions, while a series of incorrect answers will yield slightly easier questions. The purpose of this is not to give your student a score or grade, but instead to determine how best to support your student’s learning.

Learn more about the i-Ready Diagnostic

K-5 Reading Level Assessments (Fountas & Pinnell)

All K-2 (and most 3-5) students in Santa Clara Unified School District are assessed using the Fountas & Pinnell Benchmark Assessment System (BAS) 2-3 times per year. This comprehensive system is designed for one-on-one assessment of students’ instruction and independent reading abilities including accuracy, understanding, and fluency. Pre-reading skills are also assessed including Letter Identification, Early Literacy Behaviors, and Word Write.

Learn more about the Fountas and Pinnell BAS

Mathematics Benchmarks K-5 and End-of-Course Exams 6-12

SCUSD's Curriculum and Instruction Department has been in the process of piloting and adapting Mathematics benchmarks and common formative assessments aligned to state standards and standards-aligned curricula. Mathematics benchmarks are administered during each quarter to assess standards taught within that quarter. 6-12 End-of-Course exams are administered at teacher/department discretion.

ELA Performance-Based Assessments (PBA’s) K-12

The K-12 English Language Arts Performance-Based Assessments are administered to students in grades K-12 in the fall, winter, and spring. Assessments are aligned to the Common Core State Standards and the Smarter Balanced ELA Performance Task protocols. Teachers use the results of this assessment to improve their instructional practice and to better support students in achieving the Common Core ELA Standards, particularly in writing.

Mathematics Diagnostic Testing Project (MDTP) 5-7

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