[LIT] baseline assessment - various models

[khonyx at aol.com]

We use a Gates-McGinite test for vocab and comprehension.? It also gives a relative grade level. ? Our 6th graders come from 6 sending schools plus we get quite a few kids that are new to the district.? We use it as a quick flash assessment because we often have no records on some of these kids.? The Gates can be done whole class and is on a scantron for quick grading.?? It also is 20 minutes for the vocabulary and 35 for the comprehension.? We compare this to?the state test, looking for either confirmation or discrepancies.? Although I'm not sure how accurate the test is, but it gives us a starting point and a little focus for our immediate problems.?

We?also have the kids write a persuasive letter to their new principal recommending one of their summer reading books.?? 

This usually gives me a pretty good overlook of my 100 or so students.? Is it perfect?? No... I'm looking for something that gives me a better picture without doing individual testing and taking too much time.


Karen Onyx
Carusi Middle School


-----Original Message-----
From: Bill IVEY <bivey at sbschool.org>
To: lit at literacyworkshop.org
Sent: Mon, 3 Sep 2007 4:46 pm
Subject: [LIT] baseline assessment - various models



Hi!

Karen's got a good point - with many schools already in session, and most
others starting shortly (that's my school), bumping the baseline
assessment discussion forward makes a good deal of sense. In fact, while
we're still revising our "topics for the year" list, let's get started
right now.

So how do you all handle baseline assessments? What do you see as the
advantages and/or disadvantages of your system? In an ideal world, what
(if anything) would you be doing differently?

Take care,
Bill Ivey
Stoneleigh-Burnham School


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