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Testing is one tool school and district staff uses to measure how well students understand and apply what they learn in school. The Greene County School System uses a variety of assessments to measure student achievement and track student growth throughout our students' time with us. These assessments may include selected response items (multiple choice), multi-select items (multiple choice items with more than one correct response), constructed response items (short answer), extended response items (essay), technology enhanced items (drag and drop, matching, etc.), and performance tasks. Some assessments are required by GCSS, while others are required by the State of Georgia and the United States Department of Education.
What are the core assessments for all students in GCSS?
District Assessments State Assessments iReady iReady mClass Checkpoints GKIDs GMAS GMAS GMAS GMAS ELA Math ELA Social Math Science Studies K X X X X 1 X X X 2 X X X 3 X X X X X 4 X X X X X 5 X X X X X X X 6 X X X X X X 7 X X X X X 8 X X X X X X X 9 X X X X 10 X X X X 11 X X X X X 12 X X X K-12 District Assessments
Assessment of students' learning is conducted both formally and informally on a daily basis in classrooms. Assessments are formative and summative in nature and allow educators to identify areas of weakness for possible academic intervention, to identify areas of strength for possible enrichment, and to make necessary program adjustments. Additionally, GCSS uses several formal assessments to support us in this endeavor.
Kindergarten Screening - GKIDS (There are other non-core academic screeners and assessments given by the Special Education Department. Please contact the SPED Department for more information on Speech/Language, Behavior, and Learning Disabilities).
iReady Diagnostic - The iReady Diagnostic is a computer-based testing system that adapts to the child in real time as the test progresses for a pinpoint picture of learning achievement and readiness. This test is administered to all K–12 students in Greene County Schools. The results are used to determine appropriate instructional and intervention decisions for each individual student. The iReady Diagnostic in Reading is also used as our universal screener for reading in grades K-3, in accordance with the Georgia Literacy Laws.
mClass K-6 Reading Assessment -The mClass Reading Assessment provides information about students’ first point of need in reading instruction. In K-5, it is used as the Dyslexia Screener for students in Greene County Schools. Additionally, it provides a layer of data so that GCSS can truly triangulate reading data for the purposes of MTSS and responsive instruction.
Summative Unit Tests/Teacher-Made Tests - These tests are used in all grades and classrooms, K–12. Their purpose is to monitor knowledge acquisition and skill development throughout the school year. Many of these assessments come from district-adopted curriculum materials. Teachers are expected to use district-adopted curriculum assessments when available.
Checkpoint Assessments - All core content courses from 5th-12th grades will administer a checkpoint assessment at the end of each 9-weeks to determine progress on state standards (high school courses will be given at the 5th and 10th week of each semester). Each course will also be required to administer a final exam at the end of the course. These checkpoint assessments will be created at the district level, with teacher input, and used to determine growth and achievement in all elementary school core content courses, along with state assessments. Checkpoints will count for formative assessment grades.
Georgia Milestones Assessments:
The Georgia Milestones Assessment System (Georgia Milestones) is a comprehensive assessment system spanning grades 3 through high school. Georgia Milestones measures how well students have learned the knowledge and skills outlined in the state-adopted content standards in English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Students in grades 3 through 8 will take End-of-Grade (EOG) assessments in English language arts and mathematics. High school or middle school students will take End-of-Course (EOC) assessments in Biology, Algebra, US History, and American Literature.
Beginning Learners do not yet demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards. The students need substantial academic support to be prepared for the next grade level or course and to be on track for college and career readiness.
Developing Learners demonstrate partial proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards. The students need additional academic support to ensure success in the next grade level or course and to be on track for college and career readiness.
Proficient Learners demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards. The students are prepared for the next grade level or course and are on track for college and career readiness.
Distinguished Learners demonstrate advanced proficiency in the knowledge and skills necessary at this grade level/course of learning, as specified in Georgia’s content standards. The students are well prepared for the next grade level or course and are well prepared for college and career readiness.
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What other assessments outside of the core assessments are given in GCSS?
ACCESS & Alternate ACCESS for ESOL Students - Contact Tara Thompson
WIDA Screener (students whose home language is not English) - Contact Tara Thompson
Fitness Gram (K-5 PE) - Contact the School's PE Teacher
Speech, Language, Psychological - Contact Dr. Kimberley Simmons
Advanced Placement Assessments - Contact Crystal Parten
Gifted Identification Assessments - Contact Crystal Parten
End of Pathway Assessments - Contact Mariana Mansfield
When are assessments given in GCSS?
Click on image below for Assessment List and Dates. (PDF)
