Broken Arrow Public Schools
District Assessment 2008-2009 Calendar
Benchmark Test Schedule

Broken Arrow Public Schools’ benchmark assessment program provides a foundation on which to base decisions regarding curriculum design, delivery and professional development. It serves as a vehicle for examining how well programs are achieving desired results. The assessment program evaluates student progress toward identified objectives and provides diagnostic information to help teachers adjust the delivery of curriculum to address learning gaps for all student groups identified through The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. The district assessment program is designed to determine and monitor student progress on each learning objective for the content areas of math, language arts, and science prior to the expected time of mastery each Spring.

Grades/Subjects Assessed
Math pre/post and benchmark assessments are administered in grades 3 through Geometry and Algebra II each six or nine week grading period.  Language Arts (reading) pre/post and benchmark assessments are administered in grades 3 through English III each six or nine week grading period.  Science assessments will become “operational” in 2008-09 with students in grades 3 through Biology I being assessed each six or nine week grading period.  Social Studies benchmark exams will undergo “field tests” in 2009-10 and will become operational in 2010-11.

Grading
Grades are required to be assigned for each math, language arts and science benchmark exam and posttest administered throughout the 2008-09 school year.  Assignment of grades on any “field test” is discouraged.

Similar to regular classroom exams, sites have the option to "curve" benchmark scores. Specific questions regarding grading practices should be directed to the appropriate teacher or principal.

Note: Math, Language Arts and Science make-up tests for each benchmark and posttest have been developed by district content coordinators and are available for students who are absent during the district assessment window

Development and Reporting

Benchmark assessment questions were locally developed by district content coordinators and “vertical teams.” All questions are aligned with State Department of Education P.A.S.S. and local objectives.  Each test models the content, context and cognitive level of its corresponding state assessment.

Reports are available to provide parent/guardians with important data outlining how their child is progressing on individual learning objectives contained in the written curriculum. These reports are available upon request and can be provided by your child’s Math, Language Arts and/or Science teacher.

District Benchmark Test Window (Math/Language Arts/Science)
Math: Grade 3-Geometry and Algebra II
L.Arts: Grade 3-English III
Science:  Grade 3-Biology I

Benchmark Test Dates
· Pretest (Elementary/Secondary): August 25-27

· 1st Secondary Benchmark: September 18-19, 22
· 2nd Secondary Benchmark: October 30-31, November 3
· 3rd Secondary Benchmark: December 15-17 (if giving a separate site semester test)
** 3rd Secondary Benchmark: December 18-19 (if this test serves as the semester exam)
· 4th Secondary Benchmark: February 11-13
· 5th Secondary Benchmark: April 1-3

· 1st Elementary Benchmark: October 8-10
· 2nd Elementary Benchmark: December 15-17
· 3rd Elementary Benchmark: March 5-6, 9

· Elementary/Secondary Posttest:: May 11-15 (Tentative)

For more information, please contact your child’s school or Dr. Gary Chronister at 259-4300.