CMDS Testing and Assessment Philosophy
Standardized and normed assessments are one of many tools CMDS uses to assess academic progress in our students and evaluate the effectiveness of our curriculum. Assessment data, coupled with classroom performance and quarterly report cards, give teachers and administrators a deep understanding of how our students are learning. Analyzing multiple forms of student achievement provides CMDS with valuable information on how to drive our instruction and implement curriculum content each year.
As many of you know, CMDS is currently in the midst of a strategic planning process, which is equipping us to thoroughly examine many facets of our school. In order to carry out the mission of Academic Excellence, we are committed to providing the highest level of student instruction.
At CMDS, a variety of tools are utilized to assess our students. Below is a list of assessments that are given to CMDS students to track their growth and our understanding of instruction in the classroom.
ERB - CTP5 - This achievement test is taken by our 2nd-6th grade students annually in the fall.
Otis Lennon School Ability Test - Students in 1st, 3rd and 5th graders take this ability test in the fall.
Kindergarten Readiness Test - JK students take this assessment in the spring.
School Readiness Test - SK students take this assessment in the spring.
Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) - SK-3rd grade students are given this screening individually three times a year in September, January and April.
Developmental Spelling Assessment (DSA) - 3rd-5th grade students are given this test twice a year in the fall and spring
This comprehensive and balanced approach to student assessment is one aspect of how we evaluate learning at CMDS. Our classroom and Encore teachers as well as all of our faculty and staff work diligently to fulfill the mission of CMDS so that each of our students is prepared as they progress and graduate CMDS.
