Wisconsin's Standard and Assessment Center Directors believe there is a common foundation for a district assessment plan. This section outlines the elements a school or a district needs to focus on including preparing for a data retreat.

• What are the elements of a district assessment plan?
• What are the recommended Guiding Principles for Assessment?
• What is meant by scope of assessments?
   

Examples: Wisconsin Knowledge and Concept Exam (WKCE), Wisconsin Reading Comprehension Test (WRCT), Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS), Terra Nova/District developed culminating performance/American College Test(ACT), Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), kindergarten entrance/placement exams.

Uses Accountability Broad sampling (ie. Achievement, aptitude) Year-to-year progress Credentialing Program placement Program evaluation Resource evaluation

Users Boards of education Community School improvement teams Administrative teams Teachers Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Parents Program leaders

Examples: Grade 5 writing assessments, K-12 leveled reading assessments, benchmark assessments.

Uses Measure student progress during the school year Measure the success of teaching strategies Evaluate instructional program Allocate resources Identify students learning needs Evaluate program quality

Users Students Teachers Parents Instructional support staff Administrative teams Program leaders

Examples: Performance assessments, projects, journals, observations, labs, reflections, skill tests.

Uses Monitor student progress and needs Determine evidence of student learning Assign grades Plan instruction Evaluate instruction Provide feedback Portfolio

Users Student Teacher Parent