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Assessments

How am I doing?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

BookThe 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.


Pencil Jar

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.