Assessments - Cedar Park Elementary STEM School

Assessment is a systematic process of monitoring student learning, informing instructional decisions, and ensuring accountability. Assessments help educators understand what students know and can do, identify areas for improvement, and tailor instructional strategies to meet individual needs.

The District 196 model has four main types of assessments:

Universal screening efficiently determines the effectiveness of instructional practices and identifies students who may require additional support.
Diagnostic assessments determine specific student strengths and skill gaps with insights into instruction and curriculum to impact learning.
Progress monitoring measures student responsiveness and growth rate as well as evaluates the effectiveness of interventions.
Outcome assessments evaluate how well students learned the intended learning goals.

Minnesota Statewide Assessments

Minnesota’s statewide assessments give educators, school districts and state education leaders information in context that they can use to make decisions about education. Educators and schools use the information to help guide instruction and better support students. The state and members of the public can use the data to focus on the important goal of providing equitable opportunities for all students across the state.

For Minnesota’s statewide assessments to reflect the full impact of district- and state-level implementation of the applicable standards, as well as district-level success at teaching the standards, it is important for all Minnesota students to take the statewide tests. The impact of this data spans the state, impacts each district, and demonstrates clear trends across time. In addition, multilingual students learning English must take the WIDA ACCESS or WIDA Alternate ACCESS to exit English language instruction. Without these test scores, students will continue to receive English language development services.

The parent/guardian refusal form must be submitted to the school in writing before the first scheduled day of testing every school year. See the posted assessment calendar on the school’s website for specific dates.

Helpful links

Student Readiness Tools - resources used to familiarize students and educators with the online and paper MCAs and Alternate MCAs. In each SRT, students will learn how to navigate within the test, use tools and test supports, and indicate answers to different types of questions.
MDE Testing Information and Resources
Minnesota Report Card - access to district and school results in an understandable way.

District 196 Testing Info

Measuring success in District 196

The District 196 Research, Assessment & Analytics department is responsible for all district wide achievement testing. The assessment center staff work on implementation of state graduation standards; administer district, state and national tests; collect other information to support revision and development of curricular and instructional programs; and report data to the School Board, the Curriculum and Instruction Advisory Council (CIAC), and the public.

Our mission is to collect meaningful information, report it in a timely way, and communicate the results in a clear and helpful style. The District 196 Assessment Plan articulates a balanced system of assessment that:

Aligns with Minnesota and district standards
Supports our district mission
Provides assessment information that is compatible with information from previous grades
Provides data to be used by Professional Learning Communities for strengthening instructional approaches
Utilizes an array of assessment methods which provide multiple opportunities for students to demonstrate understanding and knowledge

Assessments are an integral part of instruction, as it determines whether or not the goals of education are being met. Assessment affects decisions about grades, placement, advancement, instructional needs, curriculum, and, in some cases, funding. Assessments inspire us to ask these hard questions: "Are we teaching what we think we are teaching?" "Are students learning what they are supposed to be learning?" "Is there a way to teach the subject better, thereby promoting better learning?"

Tips for Successful Test Taking:

1. Get a good night sleep the night before the test. Going to bed even 30 minutes earlier than usual will positively effect your performance. And make sure you wake up on time, too! Arriving to school late will only add stress, and could have a negative impact on your test score.

2. Eat a good breakfast the morning of the test, even if you're test isn't until the afternoon. Avoid sugary breakfast foods, but instead eat foods with protein like eggs or yogurt and granola. Protein helps us concentrate and stay awake for the whole test!

3. Wear comfortable clothing.

4. Expect some stress, but know how to handle it. Taking 5-10 slow, deep breaths can help reduce stress and refocus your attention.

5. Think positively. Tell yourself, "I've got this! I will do well on this test!" Having a positive attitude helps you succeed.