General Information:

WHAT IS THE DEFINITION AND PURPOSE? Benchmark tests are typically administered periodically throughout the school year (e.g., every few months) to fulfill one or more of the following functions: instructional (to supply teachers with individual student data), predictive (identifying student readiness for success on a later high-stakes test), and/or evaluative (to appraise ongoing educational programs).

The purpose of a benchmark assessment is to:

1. Track student growth relative to expected learning goals.

2. Supply information to design or modify instructional activities (intervention/enrichment).

3. Predict end- of-year/course proficiency.

4. Inform system improvement decisions regarding curriculum intervention, and instruction.

WHEN IS THIS ASSESSMENT ADMINISTERED? Across instructional units/calendar periods (quarter, trimester, semester).

Benchmark Windows:

Beginning of Year: 8/1/24 - 8/23/24

Middle of Year: 12/2/24 - 12/19/24

End of Year: 4/28/25 - 5/16/25

K-1 Star Reading/Early Literacy is optional.

WHAT DATA DO THESE ASSESSMENTS PROVIDE? Qualitative and quantitative data to assess student risk levels.

WHAT ARE EXAMPLES OF THESE ASSESSMENTS? Renaissance Star Assessments (Early Literacy/Reading & Math) are the current district-mandated benchmarks administered in grades K-8 and SchoolCity Science for grade 5