APS Annual Assessments - District (2016)

Throughout the 2022-23 school year, schools are engaged in various assessments. There are two reasons for assessments: (1) to inform instructional plans and (2) local, State, and Federal requirements. The various assessments allow us to collect data on students’ readiness for learning and educational progress. Teachers use the information to help guide instruction for the entire class and individualize instruction for students who may need additional support or additional challenges. Assessments students are taking this year, include:

VDOE Through Year Growth Assessment – for Reading and Math in Grades 3-8
Virginia Kindergarten Readiness Program (VKRP) – which includes Phonological Awareness Literacy Screener (PALS), EMAS, and CBRS
Phonological Awareness Literacy Screener (PALS) (K-2)*
Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) (K-5), MS Special Education students in Grades 6-8*
HMH Growth Measure in Reading (Grades 6-8)*
Math Inventory (Grades 1-8)*
Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT) – for students in grades 2 – 8 without a previous CogAT score
Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT3) – for students in Grade 1

Some of the assessments serve as a universal screener in reading and math in elementary and middle school. More details can be found here: Universal Screeners – Arlington Public Schools. They are a way for schools to identify any needs early on so supports, interventions, and extensions can begin right away. The screenings are often administered 3 times a year.

The data garnered from these assessments are used by Collaborative Learning Teams (CLTs) to focus on evidence-based core (Tier 1) instruction and interventions/extensions for students who need them to achieve success.

This information will be key as teachers focus on accelerated learning. Teachers will present current grade-level material while reinforcing skills and concepts from the previous grade level. Throughout this process, teachers remain focused on supporting all students and making learning accessible.

* For more information on these tests please review the English Language Arts (ELA) Assessments page or the Math Assessments page.