HUTCHINSON, Kan. – The USD 308 School Board reviewed the district’s comprehensive assessment system during a study session.

The district and state have moved away from the one-and-done high-stakes testing mandated by the former No Child Left Behind federal law to the new requirements that provide parents and the district with a more complete picture of what a student knows.

The new system, which features 60 percent less testing at the state level, has three components.

The first level of assessments – formative assessments – give teachers feedback on student progress and allows staff to redirect teaching as needed.

The second level are the interim assessments. These assessments, including curriculum-based assessments, “dipstick” student learning and allow educators to evaluate curriculum and students’ knowledge based on a specific set of academic goals.

The final level is the summative assessment, which are the assessments typically given only once or twice a year or trimester. These may include the state assessment, final project or mid-term exam.