Assessment
The Office of Individualized Student Services works in conjunction with the Director of Assessment and Accountability in overseeing the District's program of standardized group assessment. These group measures are analyzed at the building and District levels for individual and group trends to provide input for ongoing review of curriculum content and instructional practices.
Teachers spend some instructional time beyond the test-taking time allotment preparing students for the format of the tests. Teachers also work to incorporate test-taking strategies into other instructional activities throughout the school year.
Keystone Exams. Keystone Exams are state-mandated end-of-course tests intended as a measurement of proficiency for students in identified subjects. Keystone Exams are used by the state for two purposes:
- Students in the classes of 2017 and beyond will be required to pass certain Keystone Exams to earn a high school diploma.
- High schools will be held accountable for the participation and performance of all students on the Literature, Algebra 1, and Biology Keystone Exams to satisfy the requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Act.
Comprehensive Testing Program 4 (CTP4). The Educational Records Bureau Comprehensive Testing Program is a standardized group assessment conducted in grades 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 in early October each school year. Assessments measure word analysis, verbal reasoning, reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning and mathematics against rigorous nationally validated standards. The results of these tests are shared with parents and with students, where age-appropriate, and are carefully reviewed by administrators and instructional staff to inform the instructional program. Test results are reported annually to the Education Committee of the Board.
Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA). The PSSA is a state-required evaluation system of basic skills tests in grades 3 through 8. The results of these tests of school-wide effectiveness are reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for public posting, as required. In addition, individual student reports, which are compiled by the State testing offices, are provided to parents. Parents may then discuss these scores with their child's counselor, if they so choose. To date, PSSA results in Tredyffrin/Easttown have confirmed that all schools are meeting basic state learning requirements.
Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT). SAT tests are optional and required by most colleges for admission. Students take the SAT I, as well as the PSAT tests. As is customary, all results are shared with students and parents. Administrators and teachers are also able to review the results of these tests, and to consider their implications on curriculum and instruction. Average SAT test scores in Math, Reading and Writing are reported in the Conestoga High School Profile.