Testing & Assessment
Why We Assess Students
Assessment is an important part of teaching and learning. No single test can provide a complete picture of a student's strengths, needs, and progress. South St. Paul Public Schools uses multiple measures to understand student learning, guide instruction, and ensure all students are prepared for future success.
Our assessment system is designed to:
- Monitor student learning and growth over time
- Identify students who may need additional support or enrichment
- Inform classroom instruction
- Measure progress toward district goals and state standards
- Meet state and federal accountability requirements
To accomplish these purposes, we use three layers of assessment:
- Local Assessments
- Nationally Normed and Readiness Assessments
- Accountability Assessments
Scroll down to read more about each layer of assessments
Assessment Calendars
- Kaposia Education Center Assessment Calendar
- Lincoln Center Elementary Assessment Calendar
- Middle School Assessment Calendar
- High School Assessment Calendar
- CLC Assessment Calendar
- District Assessment Calendar
MDE Student and Families Statewide Testing site with links to:
- Assessment information and results
- Student participation
- Translated documents
- Parent/Guardian Guide and Refusal for Student Participation in Statewide Testing
Using Assessment Results Responsibly
Assessment results are only one part of understanding student learning. Teachers also use classroom observations, assignments, projects, student work, and other evidence when making instructional decisions.
South St. Paul Public Schools is committed to maintaining a balanced assessment system that provides meaningful information while maximizing time for teaching and learning.
Biennial Review of District Testing Program
Every two years districts are required to report on the district testing program. The report must include written objectives of the testing program, names of tests and grade levels tested, use of test results, and student achievement results compared to previous years. The testing program incorporates federally mandated Title I and Title III assessments, state mandated assessments, and local assessments.
Local Assessments
Informing Daily Teaching and Learning
Local assessments provide timely information that teachers use to make instructional decisions throughout the school year. These assessments help educators identify student strengths, address learning gaps, and monitor growth.
Examples include: Unit Assessments, Common Assessments, Running Records / Fluency Checks, Exit Tickets, Pre/Post Assessments, Writing Samples / On-Demands, Vocabulary Checks, Standards-Based Skill Checks
Results help teachers:
- Monitor student growth throughout the year
- Identify students who may need additional support or enrichment
- Adjust instruction to meet student needs
- Evaluate the effectiveness of instructional programs
These assessments are typically administered multiple times during the school year to track progress over time.
Nationally Normed and Readiness Assessments
Understanding Student Potential, Growth, and Future Readiness
Nationally normed assessments allow us to compare student performance to that of students across the country. These assessments provide another perspective on student achievement, growth, academic readiness, and student strengths.
Accountability Assessments
Measuring Progress Toward State Standards
Minnesota requires all public school districts to administer state assessments aligned to Minnesota Academic Standards. These assessments provide information about how well students are meeting grade-level expectations and help ensure accountability for all students.