State and District Testing in Seattle Public Schools
Educational Assessment occurs in districts all over the United States, including in Seattle Public Schools. It’s a process that uses data to help improve learning. The process looks at outcomes to determine which types of programs are sufficient and which ones aren’t up to par. Ultimately, assessments are performed to see how well students are meeting academic expectations.
In Seattle, there are a variety of assessments utilized. These include:
District assessments are given during the school year – they are designed to help teachers gauge college and career readiness by measuring aptitude in certain subject areas (specifically math and language arts). Teachers use the amassed information to plan lessons for individual students, as well as classes as a whole.
State assessments are required not only to measure student progress at any given school, but to hold each school accountable for meeting district and state expectations, as well. The results from these tests are used to close achievement gaps and discover the areas where certain institutions may benefit from intervention.
College-readiness assessments come in the forms of PSATs and SATs. They are administered by the Seattle Public School District free of charge during regular school days. While the PSATs are essentially a practice test, the SATs are used for college acceptance. Many higher learning institutions require SAT scores as part of the application. However, not all schools rely on SATs and some put more weight into GPA, extra-curricular activities, and personal essay(s). It varies by university.
Different types of testing occurs throughout the year – times are determined by grade level. Seattle Public Schools offers a PDF calendar for parents at the start of each school year. This calendar allows them to know when testing occurs.
State and district testing occurs in Seattle just as it occurs in other parts of the country. While it’s not something children tend to embrace, it offers quantitative data that educators can use to improve the overall educational experience. It teaches teachers what they can do to be more efficient.
If you’re moving to Seattle and the surrounding areas, get in touch with us. We’ll offer hassle-free service and information on everything Seattle. We can also walk you through the ins and outs of the school system if you are relocating with children.