Assessments
 Blaine County Schools
regularly measure what students know and are able to do.
These assessments provide a degree of accountability of
students, teachers, and parents to be sure everyone is doing
their part in educating students in our valley.
State Mandated Tests
ISAT - Idaho Standards Achievement Test
This is the primary component of 'No Child Left Behind'. Results from these tests are used to determine each school's Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP)
status. The State's system uses two measures for each of
10 groups in each subject. Students in grades 3 through 8
and Grade 10 will
take this assessment in the spring. The State has changed
its position on fall testing several times in recent months.
The District is evaluating our testing options for fall 2008.
Blaine County is among the best in
the state among comparably sized districts.
IRI - Idaho Reading Indicator
 The IRI is a benchmark reading test given to all students in
kindergarten through third grade in the Fall, Winter, and Spring. The results give a quick
measure of a student's ability in three categories: Below
Grade Level, Near Grade Level, and At Grade Level. We use
highly trained, certified reading specialists to administer this
assessment, assuring us of the most accurate data. The
State gives schools considerable leeway in who administers these
assessments. Schools in other districts sometimes use
volunteers and/or uncertified staff.
DWA - Direct Writing Assessment
The DWA is one of the State's two performance-based assessments. Students in
grades 5, 7, and 9 are given 90 minutes to write an essay based
on the prompt provided by the State. The State then scores
the writing holistically based on a four-point range.
DMA - Direct Math Assessment
The DMA is the State's other performance-based assessment.
Students in grades 4, 6, and 8 are given 60 minutes to solve
four out of five mathematics word problems. The State
scores the whole assessment based on a four-point rubric.
IELA - Idaho English Language Assessment
This is the State's measure of how quickly our English
Language Learners (ELL) students are learning English. These students receive English as a
second language services to help them develop the language
skills necessary to succeed in school and after they graduate.
District Assessments
Direct Writing
The District administers direct writing performance assessments to students in Kindergarten
through grade 10 except for those grades taking the State-mandated direct writing assessment.
The District's writing assessment is scored by District staff using a six trait process. This yields
scores for each of the six traits of writing: Ideas, Organization, Voice, Word Choice, Fluency, and Conventions. Each
trait is scored on a five point scale.
Direct Mathematics
Students in grades 3, 5 and 7 take the District's direct math
performance assessment. These assessments
are similar in structure to the State's DMA. Student papers are scored by
District staff using rubrics
patterned after the State model.
Common End of Course Exams for Most High School Subjects
Students in Carey High School and Wood River High School take the same end of course exams in
Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, and Health. This allows staff to make certain
their grading and standards are consistent and fair from one school year to the next and between both high
schools. This helps to assure everyone that the same high quality education is being provided across
the District and over time.
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