Assessments

The elementary has a variety of means to assess and monitor a student’s progress throughout the school year besides daily classroom instruction.  The assessments we implement are NWEA, NSCAS, DIBELS, and Lexia.  All of these are snapshots to measure the student’s progress and then determine the next step for instruction.  Listed below are details pertaining to the assessments.

NWEA
What is the definition of NWEA?
Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) is a not-for-profit organization committed to helping school districts throughout the nation improve learning for all students. NWEA partners with more than 2,200 school districts representing more than three million students. As a result of NWEA tests, educators can make informed decisions to promote a child’s academic growth.

*If you would like to learn more about NWEA testing, please visit the website www.nwea.org*Please click here for common questions that apply to Fort Calhoun Elementary on NWEA assessment.
 
   
 
NSCAS

According to the Nebraska State Department of Education the Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System (NSCAS), pronounced “en-skass,” is a new statewide assessment system that embodies Nebraska’s holistic view of students and helps them prepare for success in postsecondary education, career, and civic life. It uses multiple measures throughout the year to provide educators and decision makers at all levels with the insights they need to support student learning.

What is the definition of NSCAS?  What grade levels are tested? 

Furthermore, the Nebraska Student-Centered Assessment System (NSCAS), formally known as NeSA, is a system of tests in reading/language arts, math, and science.  The reading and math tests are administered to students in grades 3-8 and 11; the science test is administered to  grades 5, 8 and 11; and the writing test is administered online to grades 8 and 11.  These tests are given once each school year and are used to determine a student’s proficiency on the state academic standards.  The school’s performance on these tests are compared to the performance of similar schools across the state of Nebraska.

The state sets a window during the 3rd and 4th Quarters to complete the NSCAS testing. Fort Calhoun Elementary typically takes the reading/language arts, math, and science tests in April.  The results of these tests place students at one of three performance levels: Below Standards, Meets Standards, and Exceeds Standards.  Students should perform at the levels of “Meets Standards” and “Exceeds Standards” to be deemed successful on the NSCAS tests.

*If you would like to learn more about NSCAS testing, please visit https://www.education.ne.gov/assessment/nscas-system/.

*Please click here for common questions that apply to Fort Calhoun Elementary on NSCAS assessment.

Dibels

What is DIBELS?

DIBELS was developed to be economical and efficient indicators of a student’s progress toward achieving a general outcome. It provides a reliable and valid measurement as well as sensitivity to student change.

*If you would like to learn more about Dibels testing, please visit the website https://dibels.uoregon.edu/.

*Please click here for common questions that apply to Fort Calhoun Elementary on DIBELS assessment.

Lexia

What is Lexia Core5?

Lexia Reading Core5 is a technology-based reading program with supporting printed instructional materials, designed specifically to meet the Common Core Standards.  The program provides all students-from emerging readers to on-level and advanced students-the explicit instruction needed to accelerate mastery of skills.  Built upon Lexia’s research-proven, award-winning methodology, Lexia Reading Core5 is the most comprehensive technology-based reading skills program available.

*If you would like to learn more about Lexia testing, please visit the website http://www.lexialearning.com/.

*Please click here for common questions that apply to Fort Calhoun Elementary on Lexia assessment.