Hello, RCS Middle School Parents & Guardians!
As you know, we conducted baseline testing with all of our students in September.
We used a product called "FastBridge" for assessment in reading and math. This testing helped us determine a "starting point" for each student and it allowed us to determine which students were in need of additional support. To continue tracking growth, the "mid-year" testing will take place this month, on January 17, 18 and 19, 2023.
This testing will not be counted as a grade and will be used only to determine if students who are currently receiving additional support need to continue with that assistance. We will also see if any students not identified in the baseline testing are now in need of additional support. All students will participate in the January testing, as we need to ensure that all students are making growth over the course of the year in both reading and math.
After the January testing has been completed, there will be a report sent home for each student so that every family can see how their student is progressing.
Thank you!
We appreciate everyone's support with this very important mid-year testing. Please let us know if you have any questions!
Information about FastBridge testing
What is FastBridge testing?
FastBridge is a universal screening, diagnostic reporting, and progress monitoring tool to combine Computer-Adaptive Testing (CAT) with Curriculum-Based Measures (CBM) for reading and math.
What does FastBridge reading measure?
Reading assesses broad reading ability and predicts overall reading achievement in concepts of print, phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, comprehension, orthography, and morphology. Reading is aligned to the Lexile® Framework for Reading.
What does FastBridge math assess?
Math is a computer-administered adaptive screener that measures broad mathematics skills, identifies students in need of additional instruction, and predicts performance on state accountability measures.
How will it be determined if a student needs support in reading and math?
When the baseline testing was been completed, a committee gathered together to analyze the data and determined a "cut score," which was used to determine whether or not a student was in need of services.
After the mid-year testing has been completed, the same process will happen - a committee will review the data to determine if students already receiving services need to continue or if they have made the expected pre-determined goal(s) and can "test out." We will also determine if any other students need to begin services.
At the end of the year, that same committee will review student progress and begin plans for fall intervention.
Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Middle School
Email: dcapece@rcscsd.org
Website: https://www.rcscsd.org/o/rcs-middle
Location: 2025 Route 9W, Selkirk, NY, USA
Phone: (518) 756-5200
