Assessments
Assessments
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"Assessment is most productive when its purpose is for learning."
- Rick Stiggins
Assessment of student learning is an integral part of the teaching and learning cycle. The PPS Quality Assessment Framework includes guidelines and principles that can effectively support the achievement of each student. PPS strives to follow a balanced assessment approach for students, including (click on each assessment type for a short description):
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Formative
Formative assessments monitor student learning and provide continual feedback to students about strengths and areas of growth. Teachers use these assessments to reflect on the effectiveness of their lessons. Students use these assessments to gauge their own personal learning. Examples of formative assessments may include curriculum-based measures (CBM), quizzes, student self-assessment and checks for understanding.
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Interim/Benchmark
Teachers use interim or benchmark assessments to track students' progress toward mastering skills and knowledge. Teachers can use this information to adjust their teaching to meet each child's needs. Parents can use this information to see the progress their child is making during the year. Benchmark assessments are given periodically (typically three times a year) and are normally given in the classroom as part of instruction. Examples of benchmark assessments used in PPS include DIBELS/IDEL and NWEA MAP Growth.
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Summative
Summative assessments evaluate student learning, skill acquisition and achievement at the end of a unit or instruction period. These assessments are used by teachers, administrations and schools to gauge students' mastery of a given topic or skill. They are also used by district, state and federal leadership to monitor school accountability and where resources are allocated to support instructions. Examples of summative assessments include end of unit tests and state exams like OSAS and ELPA.
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Other (Diagnostics/Screeners/College Entrance/etc.)
Other types of assessments used in PPS include:
- Diagnostic assessments are given before instruction. Teachers use diagnostics tests to see what students need to work on, what they have already mastered, and what teaching strategies might work best for a students.
- Screeners help identify specific programs or supports that may be helpful for students, such as Talentedand Gifted (TAG) or English Language (ESL).
- College entrance exams can help students access post-secondary education through admissions support and scholarships.
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This table shows, by grade level, which assessment students take in PPS. For more information about specific assessments click on the assessment names below the table.
Assessment descriptions
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AP
What are the Advanced Placement (AP) tests?
The Advanced Placement examinations allow high school students to demonstrate mastery of Advanced Placement course material and potentially earn college credit with qualifying scores.
Who takes it?
Students enrolled in AP courses in grades 9-12.
What does it measure?
AP tests measure students' mastery of knowledge and skills from AP courses such as...
- US History
- Calculus AB/BC
- Statistics
- English Composition/Literature
- Physics
- Biology
Contact your child's high school for more information about available AP courses.
When is it administered?
Please refer to the AP Testing Schedule for dates.
How is it administered?
- Some AP exams are paper exams, others such as AP Chinese and Japanese are computer-based.
- Each test takes 3.5-4 hours to complete.
How are the results used?
If a student earns qualifying scores, students can earn college credit. What scores and what subjects qualify for college credit vary by college.
Who requires it?
These tests are optional.
What if I want to know more about this assessment?
Please visit the PPS Advanced Placement website for contact information.
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DIBELS
What is DIBELS?
The Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) are a set of research-based procedures and measures for assessing the acquisition of early literacy skills from kindergarten through third grade.
Who takes it?
All Kindergarten and 1st graders with no prior DIBELS data are required to participate in DIBELS as a dyslexia (potential reading difficulties) screener.
All other 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade students will participate in either the DIBELS or MAP reading assessments. Check with your student's school to see whether your student participates in DIBELS or MAP reading.
What does it measure?
DIBELS measure early literacy skills based on the five "Big Ideas in Beginning Reading." You can learn about how teachers are using these five ideas by visiting the Office of Teaching and Learning Core Academics page.
When is it administered?
DIBELS is administered three times per year in the Fall, Winter, and Spring.
View the district testing calendar for exact testing dates.
How is it administered?
- DIBELS is a paper-based test
- The test takes about 1-3 minutes per measure and 10-15 minutes per student including transitions.
How are the results used?
Teachers can use DIBELS scores to
- Personalize learning to match students' early literacy needs
- Identify students who need additional support for early reading skills
- Recognize students who are making progress
DIBELS is used as a screener initially to indicate if a student may need more focused instruction and then as a formative assessment throughout the year so that teachers can adjust their teaching, if needed.
Who requires it?
District requirement (dyslexia screener is a state requirement).
What if I want to know more about this assessment?
Please visit the DIBELS website for educators, including more detailed information about what DIBELS measures.
I'm a parent/guardian. Who do I contact with questions about this assessment?
Contact your school if you have questions about DIBELS.
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ELPA
What is the English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) test?
ELPA is Oregon’s English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) and includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking items. There is an ELPA Summative and ELPA Screener assessment. The ELPA Screener is used to identify students potentially eligible for ESL services and an ELPA Summative assessment for students already identified for ESL services. The ELPA Summative is used to monitor student progress in learning English and to exit students from ESL services.
Who takes it?
The screener is taken by students who are potential English Language Learners and have not previously been screened.
Any student who qualifies for ESL services or has exited ESL at some point during the school year take the ELPA Summative.
What does it measure?
The ELPA assessments are based upon the Oregon English Language Proficiency (ELP) Standards and measures four language domains: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. These domains are also known as reading comprehension, written production, listening comprehension, and oral production skills.
When is it administered?
The ELPA Screener is administered within 10 days of students entering PPS and being identified as potential English Language Learners.
ELPA Summative is administered between January and April each year. Students have one opportunity each year until exiting ESL.
View the district testing calendar for the current year's testing windows.
How is it administered?
- The assessments are administered to students through the online system called OSAS Portal. This is the same online system used for other Oregon tests such as science and English language arts and mathematics tests.
- Estimated time to take the test:
- Grades K - 1: 1 hour
- Grades 2 - 3: 1.5 hours
- Grades 6 - 8: 3.25 hours
- Grades 9 - 12: 4 hours
How are the results used?
Screener results are used to determine whether students should receive ESL services.
Summative test results are used to measure English proficiency of students and determine if a student is ready to exit the ESL Program. Results are also used for state and federal accountability purposes.
Results are mailed to families once a year, late summer or early fall. Teachers may also share results with families during parent conferences and other meetings.
Who requires it?
State required. Students in kindergarten through grade twelve who are eligible for ESL services are required by federal and Oregon state law to be assessed in English language proficiency. In Oregon, the English language proficiency assessment is the ELPA Summative.
What if I want to know more about this assessment?
I'm a parent/guardian. Who do I contact with questions about this assessment?
Contact PPS Testing Help if you have questions about ELPA Summative.
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Extended Assessments
What are the Extended Assessments?
Oregon's Extended Assessments are alternate assessments that are linked to grade level content standards.
Who takes it?
Students with significant cognitive disabilities take the Extended Assessments. A student's Individual Education Program (IEP) determines which Extended Assessments they take.
What does it measure?
The Extended assessments measure the performance of students with significant cognitive disabilities against alternate performance standards.
When is it administered?
Extended Assessments are taken February through June.
View the district testing calendar for the current year's testing windows.
How is it administered?
- It is administered one on one
- Paper-based and on tablets
What if I want to know more about this assessment?
Extended Assessment information from the Oregon Department of Education
I'm a parent/guardian. Who do I contact with questions about this assessment?
Contact Lauraine Allen with questions about Extended Assessments.
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IDEL
What is IDEL?
The Indicadores Dinámicos del Éxito en la Lectura (IDEL) are a set of research-based procedures and measures for assessing the acquisition of early literacy skills from kindergarten through third grade for students learning to read in Spanish. IDEL is similar to DIBELS, which measures early literacy skills in English.
Who takes it?
Students in Dual Language Immersion programs in Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade and 3rd grade take IDEL.
What does it measure?
IDEL measures early literacy skills in Spanish based on the five "Big Ideas in Beginning Reading." You can learn about how teachers are using these five ideas by visiting the Office of Teaching and Learning page.
When is it administered?
IDEL is a paper-based test administered one-on-one. The test takes about 5-10 minutes per student including transitions.
View the district testing calendar for the current year's testing windows.
How is it administered?
- IDEL is a paper-based test
- The test takes about 1-3 minutes per measure and 10-15 minutes per student including transitions.
How are the results used?
Teachers can use IDEL scores to
- Personalize learning to match students' early literacy needs
- Identify students who need additional support for early reading skills
- Recognize students who are making progress
IDEL is used as a formative assessment so that teachers can adjust their teaching throughout the school year.
Who requires it?
This is a district required test emerging bilingual/Spanish dual language immersion students.
What if I want to know more about this assessment?
Contact the PPS Dual Language Department if you have questions about IDEL.
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IB
What are the International Baccalaureate (IB) tests?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations allow high school students to demonstrate mastery of IB course material and potentially earn college credit with qualifying scores.
Who takes it?
Students enrolled in IB courses in grades 9-12.
What does it measure?
IB tests measure students' mastery of knowledge and skills from IB courses such as world language(s), English literature, biology, calculus, physics, and visual arts. Contact your child's high school for information about IB courses offered.
When is it administered?
IB tests are administered in May. Specific dates vary by test subject.
View the district testing calendar for the current year's testing windows.
How is it administered?
Each subject test takes 3 hours to complete
How are the results used?
If a student earns qualifying scores, students can earn college credit. What scores and what subjects qualify for college credit vary by college.
Who requires it?
These tests are optional.
What if I want to know more about this assessment?
- International Baccalaureate exam information from the IB Organization
- College and Career Readiness at PPS
I'm a parent/guardian. Who do I contact with questions about this assessment?
Contact your school with questions about IB testing.
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MAP
What is MAP?
MAP Growth is a computer-adaptive test given two or three times each year. PPS administers MAP Growth in reading and mathematics to measure what students know, regardless of their grade level. It also measures growth over time, allowing you to track your child's progress throughout the school year and across multiple years.
Who takes it?
In PPS, all students in grades 3-8 take the MAP Growth Assessment (and 2nd grade for math). In addition, students in some schools receiving additional supports will take MAP Growth in grades K-2. Students in high school Algebra I will also take a MAP Algebra course assessment (similar to MAP Growth). Some schools use MAP Fluency in grades K-1 for some students. MAP Fluency is an early childhood literacy assessment.
What does it measure?
MAP Growth uses a RIT scale to accurately measure what students know, regardless of their grade level. It also measures growth over time, allowing you to track your child's progress throughout the school year and across multiple years. Once your child completes a MAP Growth test, they receive a RIT score. A computer-adaptive test means that if your child answers a question correctly, the next question is more challenging. If they answer incorrectly, the next one is easier. This type of assessment challenges top performers without overwhelming students whose skills are below grade level.
When is it administered?
MAP Growth is administered in the fall and winter each year. Some schools may also administer MAP Growth in the spring, however, because of the high correlation between MAP and OSAS (state assessments), MAP testing in spring is optional for schools.
View the district testing calendar for exact testing dates.
How is it administered?
- MAP is administered to a group of students on computers or Chromebooks.
- Most students will complete their MAP test in 60-90 minutes per subject.
How are the results used?
Teachers can use MAP scores to
- Personalize learning to match students' literacy and math needs
- Identify groups of students with similar literacy and math needs
- Recognize students who are making progress
Who requires it?
MAP Growth is a district requirement.
What if I want to know more about this assessment?
Please visit the NWEA MAP Family Toolkit for more information.
I'm a parent/guardian. Who do I contact with questions about this assessment?
Contact your school if you have questions about MAP assessments.
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NAEP
What is NAEP?
The National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) is a national standardized assessment given to a sample of students across the nation in grades 4, 8 and 11.
Who takes it?
NAEP selects specific schools and samples students from grades 4, 8, and 11. Not all students in these grades will take a NAEP test if their school is selected.
What does it measure?
The test measures students' knowledge and skills in the arts, mathematics, reading, science, and writing. Not all subjects are tested at every school.
When is it administered?
The NAEP tests are administered from mid-January through mid-March.
View the district testing calendar for the current year's testing windows.
How is it administered?
- Each student will take just one test that lasts an estimated 60-90 minutes.
- Only select students at select schools will take the test.
How are the results used?
NAEP results are used by policymakers and educators to improve education at state and national levels. NAEP results can also be used to compare states and different student groups.
Who requires it?
NAEP is a federally required test.
What if I want to know more about this assessment?
- Background information and findings from previous NAEP tests.
- Oregon Department of Education website on administering the NAEP tests.
I'm a parent/guardian. Who do I contact with questions about this assessment?
Contact Testing Help for information about NAEP testing.
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NNAT
What is the NNAT?
The Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT3) is a nonverbal measure of reasoning and problem solving abilities. This test does not require English language or mathematics skills. Instead, it consists of problems that use a complex set of geometric shapes and designs. It assesses how students interact with problems that are new to them.
Who takes it?
All second (2nd) grade students in PPS take the NNAT3. The NNAT3 may also be used for TAG evaluation for other students by parent or teacher request.
What does it measure?
The NNAT3 measures intellectual reasoning and problem solving.
When is it administered?
NNAT3 is administered to all second graders in the fall (usually the month of October). It may be administered to other students during the school year by parent or teacher request.
View the district testing calendar for the current year's testing windows.
How is it administered?
The NNAT3 takes 30 minutes to administer. A representative from the TAG department will administer the test with students.
How are the results used?
NNAT3 is used along with other assessments to identify students as Talented and Gifted.
Who requires it?
The test is optional; it is one tool that may be used to help identify a student as TAG.
What if I want to know more about this assessment?
Contact the PPS Talented and Gifted Department with questions about NNAT3 and how to have your child identified for TAG.
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OSAS (ELA, math, science)
What is OSAS?
In the 2014-15 school year, Oregon joined twelve other states to use the Smarter Balanced Assessment tests for their mandatory state assessments. These standardized tests assess how well students are mastering content in key subject areas aligned to the Common Core State Standards. Beginning 2019, these assessments are referred to as OSAS (Oregon Statewide Assessment System) tests.
Who takes it?
Students in grades 3-8 and 11 take the OSAS English language arts (ELA) and math tests. Students in grades 5, 8 and 11 take the OSAS science test.
What does it measure?
The OSAS language arts assessment measures how well students have mastered English language arts skills including reading, writing, and critical thinking.
The OSAS mathematics assessment measures how well students have mastered math skills and concepts.
When is it administered?
OSAS Assessments are taken in the Spring.
View the district testing calendar for testing windows, or contact your school for exact test dates.
How is it administered?
OSAS Assessments are administered online. Online assessment delivery allows for a greater range in the types of questions and responses that can be asked and measured. For example, students may watch a video and then write a short analytical essay.
How are the results used?
OSAS results will be used as one way to indicate a student's progress toward college and career readiness.
When will I receive my child's scores?
A report with state summative test scores that your student earned in the prior school year, including OSAS ELA, math and science, ELPA Summative and Extended Assessments, will be mailed to the address in Synergy for your students at the beginning of the new school year. For questions about receiving test scores, please contact testinghelp@pps.net or call 503-916-3208.
Who requires it?
OSAS tests are required at the state level by the Oregon Department of Education (ODE).
What if I want to know more about this assessment?
- Learn more about the tests at the ODE assessment web page.
- Learn about the skills and concepts that the Smarter Balanced Assessment measures at the Common Core State Standards website
What if I don't want my child to participate in OSAS ELA, Math or Science?
Parents who wish to opt their student(s) out of OSAS summative testing should download the information packet which includes a copy of the opt-out form. The packet in English and our translated languages are located here.
I'm a parent/guardian. Who do I contact with questions about this assessment?
If you have questions about specific testing dates or other school-specific questions, please contact your school. For other questions about testing, please contact Testing Help.
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PSAT
What is the PSAT?
The PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) is a standardized test that focuses on knowledge and skills for college and career readiness.
Who takes it?
All sophomores. Oregon requires that all districts offer a college entrance exam to all 10th graders.
What does it measure?
The PSAT measures student academic achievement and their preparedness for the SAT and college and career. The test measures reading, writing and language, and math.
When is it administered?
October. The College Board determines what date the test is given.
View the district testing calendar for the current year's testing windows.
How is it administered?
The test is taken on paper and takes approximately 3 hours to complete.
How are the results used?
PSAT results:
- Provides students and educators with the chance to check in on progress toward college and career readiness and success.
- Serve as an excellent way for students to preview and practice for the SAT.
- Can be used to demonstrate Essential Skills proficiency by meeting ODE defined cut scores.
- May qualify 11th grade students for competition in the National Merit Scholarship Program. (for NMSQT, students must take the PSAT as a junior.
- Students receive a score report at school with a unique code to access the reports online.
Who requires it?
All 10th grade students are given the opportunity to take the PSAT as required by the Oregon Department of Education.
What if I want to know more about this assessment?
I'm a parent/guardian. Who do I contact with questions about this assessment?
Contact Testing Help if you have questions about your 10th grade student taking the PSAT.
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SAT
What is the SAT?
The SAT is a standardized test that is an indicator of academic success in college.
Who takes it?
Any student desiring to take the test can take the SAT. Typically, students take the SAT and/or the ACT in grades 11-12. While Oregon colleges and universities no longer require SAT or ACT scores for admission, many colleges around the rest of the country still require SAT or ACT scores as part of the admission process.
Beginning 2019-20, PPS offers the SAT to all juniors at no cost to students/families. This testing date for all juniors is referred to as SAT School Day.
What does it measure?
The SAT is designed to measure a student’s ability to understand and process elements in the areas of reading, writing, and math and serves as a strong indicator of academic success in college.
When is it administered?
The SAT is administered throughout the year. Consult the SAT website for specific testing dates and locations. SAT School Day for juniors is offered late February/eary March (actual date varies year-to-year).
View the district testing calendar for the current year's testing windows.
How is it administered?
The SAT takes 3-4 hours to complete.
How are the results used?
Students can take the SAT to prepare for college and career. The SAT can be used as part of the admissions process at many colleges.
Who requires it?
The test is optional.
What if I want to know more about this assessment?
- Visit the official SAT website to learn about SAT tests.
I'm a parent/guardian. Who do I contact with questions about this assessment?
Contact your school if you have questions about the SAT.
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STAMP
What is the STAMP?
STAMP (STAndards-based Measurement of Proficiency) is a web-based test that assesses world language proficiency for high school credit and is also used for Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program evaluation.
Who takes it?
- Emerging bilingual students and students in dual language immersion programs take this test.
- High school students seeking credit for world language proficiency
What does it measure?
STAMP measures proficiency in language proficiency. The following languages are available:
- Arabic
- Chinese Simplified
- Chinese Traditional
- French
- German
- Italian
- Japanese
- Spanish
When is it administered?
STAMP is administered from mid September through mid November for DLI.
STAMP is administered throughout the school year for high school students testing with the Learning & Credit Options (LCO) Department.
View the district testing calendar for the current year's testing windows.
How is it administered?
- STAMP is a web-based test taken on a computer.
- The test takes approximately 2-3 hours.
How are the results used?
Qualifying STAMP results can be used for high school students to earn academic credits toward their language proficiency requirement.
Who requires it?
STAMP is an optional test.
What if I want to know more about this assessment?
Visit the STAMP page for test information, fees, testing dates, practice tests, and contact information.
I'm a parent/guardian. Who do I contact with questions about this assessment?Please view the Multiple Pathways to Graduation STAMP page with questions about STAMP testing for high school students. For DLI students, please contact DLI with questions.
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In PPS, student assessment is supported by two departments:
Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL)
Visit the OTL webpage for information about how we use assessments to support teachers and students. The Office of Teaching and Learning (OTL) supports teachers in continuous improvement of their knowledge and skills.
Research, Assessment, and Accountability (RAA)
The department of Research, Assessment, and Accountability (RAA) administers statewide and districtwide assessments.
Your school's administrators or test coordinator should be your first point of contact if you have questions about assessments for your student.
