The board requires efficiency and effectiveness in all facets of its operations. In order to achieve this goal, the board will provide:
A. A clear statement of expectations and/or standards for the district’s instructional programs;
B. Staff, resources and support to achieve these stated expectations and/or standards; and
C. A plan for evaluating instructional programs and services to determine how well expectations and/or standards are being met.
The district will utilize a variety of assessment processes to:
A. Determine the effectiveness of the instructional programs;
B. Assess the progress of individual students in attaining student learning goals or standards;
C. Identify the needs of individual students who are not progressing at their expected rates; and
D. Identify students who are in need of specialized programs.
Parents who wish to examine any assessment materials may do so by contacting the superintendent. Parent approval is necessary before administering a diagnostic personality test. Parents will be notified of their child’s performance on any test or assessment conducted under the Washington State Assessment Program. No tests or measurement devices containing any questions about a student’s personal beliefs and practices or his/her family’s personal beliefs and practices in family life, morality and religion will be administered unless the parent or guardian gives written permission for the student to take such a test, questionnaire or examination.
The superintendent will prepare an annual report that reflects the degree to which district goals and objectives related to the instructional program have been accomplished. The superintendent will annually review the assessment processes and procedures to determine if the purposes of the evaluation program are being accomplished. Specifically, the district will adjust its curriculum if student performance under the Washington State Assessment Program indicates the district’s students need assistance in identified areas.
Cross References: 4000 – Public Information Program
Legal References: Chapter 28A.230 RCW Compulsory Coursework and Activities
RCW 28A.655.100 Performance goals – Reporting requirements
WAC 392-500-020 Pupil tests and records — Tests — School district policy in writing
WAC 392-500-030 Pupil tests and records — Certain tests, questionnaires, etc. — Limitations
WAC 392-500-035 Pupil tests and records — Diagnostic personality tests — Parental permission required
Management Resources: Policy News, December 2000 Portions of HB 1209 Take Effect
Adoption Date: 12.12
Classification: Essential
WSSDA 12.12
PROCEDURE FOR PROGRAM EVALUATION
Testing Program
A district program evaluation committee that represents the staff will meet at least once per year to review the district assessment program. The committee will submit its recommendation to the superintendent for the following year’s assessment program by May 15. The recommendation will include a schedule for all assessment activities to be conducted during the year. In its review, the committee will consider such factors as:
A. Validity. Do the proposed assessment materials measure the district’s objectives? Are the items compatible with the district scope and sequence?
B. Administration. Are directions clear for the teacher and for the students? Is the format attractive?
C. Interpretation of Results. Are results reported in a form that is meaningful to the teacher, the student, the district, and parents?
The proposed schedule will be approved by principals and by the superintendent. The schedule will be distributed to individual schools by August 15. The district office will be responsible for ordering tests, distributing materials and scoring sheets, and distributing administration instructions. After tests have been scored, the district office will be responsible for:
A. Preparing reports on test results for board, instructional staff, parents/guardians and the general public.
B. Interpreting scores for staff and interested persons.
C. Disseminating individual scores to staff responsible for counseling, screening and special placement of individuals.
D. Preparing reports to evaluate curriculum and assist staff in implementing changes and improvements in curriculum.
Adoption Date: 12.11
Classification: Essential
WSSDA 12.11