DCPS utilizes the Common Core State Standards, which outline exactly what students are expected to master by the end of each grade level from kindergarten through 12th grade.
At King Elementary School, we set high expectations for student learning and track students’ progress toward rigorous academic goals throughout the year. Our ultimate goal is to prepare students for success in middle and high school, college, and beyond.
ASSESSMENT
A variety of standardized assessments are used to track students’ progress towards their learning goals. See below. Families are encouraged to speak with their child’s teacher and become familiar with these assessments and how children are progressing.
Assessment: GOLD
- Who takes it: PK3-PK4
- Content assessed: Developmental Benchmarks in 10 domains: social/emotional, physical, language, cognitive, literacy, mathematics, science/technology, social studies, arts, English language acquisition
- What to expect: In order to get to know each child, we use assessments that are based on authentic, ongoing observations of student development and learning. Teachers collect information and work samples about what they see and hear on a daily basis. We then use that data to support all children and meet their individual needs. After teachers send home the GOLD benchmark report, they will be available to discuss it further with parents if desired. • Frequency: 3x per year (Fall, Winter, Spring)
Assessment: Text Reading Comprehension (TRC)
- Who takes it: K and 1st Grade
- Content assessed: Reading Comprehension
- What to expect: 1-on-1 testing experience with a teacher; student will read a short book aloud and answer questions about its content
- Approximate duration: 10-20 minutes
- Frequency: 3x per year (August, January, June)
Assessment: Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS)
- Who takes it: K - 2nd Grade
- Content assessed: Foundational Phonics Skills in English
- What to expect: 1-on-1 testing experience with a teacher; students will demonstrate knowledge of letter name recognition, letter sounds, and ability to decode words quickly and accurately
- Approximate duration: 5-10 minutes
- Frequency: 3x per year (August, January, June)
Assessment: i-Ready Diagnostic Assessment
- Who takes it: K-5th
- Content assessed: Math Content aligned to Common Core State Standards
- What to expect: whole group, computer-based, multiple choice assessment with built-in read-aloud
- Approximate duration: 45 minutes – 2 hours (untimed test)
- Frequency: 3x per year (August, January, June)
Assessment: Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC)
- Who takes it: 3rd-5th
- Content assessed: Grade Level ELA and Math Content aligned to Common Core State Standards
- What to expect: whole group, computer-based assessment with multiple formats (multiple choice, drag and drop, open response, etc.)
- Approximate duration: 7-8 units of testing, each 60-90 minutes for students who are timed (based on grade and subject), unlimited time for students with accommodations. Students test one unit a day for 7-8 days.
- Frequency: 1x per year (May)
Assessment: A-Net
- Who takes it: 3rd-5th
- Content assessed: Grade Level ELA Content aligned to Common Core State Standards
- What to expect: whole group, computer-based assessment with multiple formats (multiple choice, drag and drop, open response, etc.)
- Approximate duration: 90 minutes for students who are timed, unlimited time for students with accommodations
- Frequency: 3x per year (October, December, and February