Assessment at Clyde Miller P-8
At Clyde Miller P-8, we use a variety of assessments throughout the year to better understand your child's strengths, growth, and areas for support. These assessments help teachers adjust instruction, set goals, and celebrate student progress. Below is an overview of the assessments your child may participate in this school year:
i-Ready Diagnostic
- Who takes it: All students, grades K-8
- When: Fall, Winter, and Spring
- Purpose: An online diagnostic in reading and math that pinpoints each student's current skill level.
- How results are used: Provides personalized learning paths for students and gives teachers detailed data to guide instruction.
NGAT (Naglieri General Ability Test)
- Who takes it: Students in grades 2, 5, and 6 (district-wide screening)
- When: Fall
- Purpose: A nonverbal test that helps identify students' problem-solving and reasoning abilities, often used for gifted and talented identification.
- How results are used: Results help teachers and the district recognize advanced learning needs.
ACCESS for ELLS
- Who takes it: Students identified as Multilingual Learners (MLLS)
- When: Winter (January-February)
- Purpose: Measures progress in the four areas of English language development- listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
- How results are used: Teachers and families use the scores to understand growth in English proficiency and to plan supports for language development.
CMAS (Colorado Measures of Academic Success)
- Who takes it: Students in grades 3-8
- When: Spring (April)
- Purpose: Colorado's statewide assessment in English Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. This assessment measures mastery of grade-level standards.
- How results are used: CMAS provides information on how well students are meeting state expectations and helps guide improvements at the classroom, school, and district level. Results are also shared with families in the fall of the following school year.
Unit Pre-Assessments or Screeners
- Who takes it: Students in grades K-8, depending on the subject/unit
- When: At the beginning of each new unit of study
- Purpose: Measures what students already know before starting a unit.
- How results are used: Helps teachers adjust instruction and identify areas where students may need extra support or challenge.
Unit Quizzes or Checkpoints
- Who takes it: Students in all grade levels
- When: Regularly throughout the school year
- Purpose: Quick checks for understanding on specific skills or lessons.
- How results are used: Provides immediate feedback to both teachers and students, helping to adjust learning before larger tests.
Unit Post-Assessments
- Who takes it: Students in grades K-8, depending on the subject/unit
- When: At the end of a unit or course of study
- Purpose: Measures how much students have learned compared to what they knew before instruction.
- How results are used: Shows growth, helps teachers reflect on instruction, and provides information on mastery of key standards.
Our Commitment to Families
We believe assessments are just one part of understanding your child's learning journey. Teachers also use daily classwork, observations, and conversations with students to guide instruction. We encourage you to talk with your child's teacher if you'd like to know more about any of these assessments or your child's progress. For more information, you can visit the District Assessment Webpage.