Assessments of Student Learning

Assessments are an important part of how we support student learning. Rather than being used to judge students, assessments are tools that help teachers understand what each child knows, what they are learning, and what they need next.

In the classroom, teachers use a variety of assessments—from quick daily check-ins to larger tests—to guide instruction. These help teachers adjust lessons, provide extra support when needed, and challenge students who are ready to move ahead. Over time, assessments also allow us to track growth and ensure students are making progress toward important learning goals.

Some assessments provide a broader picture of how students are performing compared to grade-level expectations, while others help schools reflect on curriculum and programs to better meet student needs.

Our goal is simple: to support every student’s growth and success. We focus on progress over time and use assessment information to make thoughtful decisions that help all students thrive.

🧪 Formative Assessments (Ongoing Classroom Checks)

To inform daily instruction — what students need more practice with, what needs to be retaught, or what’s ready to move forward.

Examples: Quick quizzes or exit tickets, class discussions or warm-ups, observation of student work, short checks on skills (reading fluency, math facts)

How Teachers Use Them:

• Adjust lesson pacing

• Group students for targeted support or extension

• Choose materials that match students’ needs

📊 Progress Monitoring (Frequent Skill Checks)

Used especially for students receiving extra support (like RtI/MTSS or special education).

Examples: STAR CBM for reading fluency, curriculum-based measures in math, behavior check-ins

How Teachers Use Them:

• Decide if interventions should continue, change, or intensify

• Track growth toward specific learning goals

• Share progress with families regularly

📚 Interim/Benchmark Assessments

These occur 2–4 times per year and give a broader picture of how students are performing compared to grade-level expectations.

Examples: STAR, district-created benchmark tests

How Teachers Use Them:

• Identify trends across classes or grade levels

• Adjust curriculum pacing

• Provide data for team planning

🧾 Summative Assessments

These assess what students know after instruction.

Examples: End-of-unit exams, final projects, district cumulative tests

How Teachers Use Them:

• Evaluate learning at the end of a period

• Report proficiency on report cards

• Inform next year’s instructional planning

📐 State Assessments

New Hampshire participates in statewide standardized assessments in core subjects.

Key Points for Parents:

• These are required by federal and state law.

• They help measure school and district performance.

• Results inform school improvement planning.

How Teachers Use State Data:

• Understand strengths and gaps in curriculum

• Adjust instruction for groups or grade levels

• Engage families in long-term goal setting

🎯How Assessment Data Drives Instruction

Assessments aren’t done just for a score — they’re used to make smarter instructional decisions:

🔍 Inform Day-to-Day Teaching: Formative checks help teachers decide:

• What topics need reteaching

• Which students need more support or enrichment

📈 Track Growth Over Time: Progress monitoring shows whether specific interventions are working and whether goals are being met.

🤝 Support Collaborative Planning: Teachers often use assessment data in grade-level or department meetings to:

• Share strategies that worked

• Plan group instruction

• Align curriculum across classes

🎓 Guide Long-Term Decisions: Summative and benchmark data help:

• Adjust pacing guides for future years

• Identify professional development needs

• Support students’ transitions to next levels

🏫 Inform School-Wide Improvement: Aggregate data can show trends that influence:

• Curriculum adoption decisions

• Programs for literacy or math support

• Resource allocation

💡 Tips for Parents

✔ Assessments are tools — not judgment.
✔ Focus on growth over time.
✔ Ask your child’s teacher what supports or challenges the data suggests.
✔ Share what you observe at home — it can deepen understanding.