Testing & Accountability

Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS)
The Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) are a set of standardized, individually administered measures of early literacy development.  They are designed to be short (one minute) fluency measures used to regularly monitor the development of pre-testing and early reading skills.

More information: http://dibels.uoregon.edu

Measures of Academic Progress (MAP)
MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) is a state-aligned computerized adaptive assessment program that provides educators with the information they need to improve teaching and learning.  Educators use the growth and achievement data from MAP to develop targeted instructional strategies and to plan school improvement.  With the ability to test students up to four times a year, MAP test results help educators make student-focused, data-driven decisions.

More information:  www.nwea.org/assessments/map.asp

Delaware Student Testing Program (DSTP)
DSTP stands for Delaware Student Testing Program.  It is mandated that all public and charter schools participate in the testing program.

The purpose of the DSTP is to measure how individual students, schools, and districts are performing in relationship to the State Content Standards.

The tests are used for accountability purposes.  The results of these tests will determine if students are meeting standards for promotion or need to attend summer school

More information:  http://www.doe.k12.de.us/aab

Spring 2009 DSTP Performance Summary
Presentation made to the Christina Board of Education, September 15, 2009.

Visit Christina's DSTP website

SAT/ACT Testing
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test) and ACT (American College Testing) are both standardized tests and they both factor into the college admissions process. 

SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
The SAT is the test used by most colleges to help decide whether to admit students or not (along with GPA, transcript, recommendations, etc.)  Not all schools require the SAT, but the great majority do.

• Why should I take the SAT?  Most colleges require the SAT for admissions and may use it to award scholarships.
• When is it offered?  The SAT is given 7 times  per year.
• How long is the test?  3 hours, 45 minutes
• How is it scored?  There are 3 sections:  Critical Reading, Math, and Writing.  Each section is scored from 200 to 800.  The lowest score you can get on the SAT is a 600; the highest score is a 2400.

For more information, visit:  www.collegeboard.com

ACT (American College Testing)
Most colleges accept the ACT in lie of the SAT.  One great advantage is that you can take the test several times and choose which score to submit.  The ACT has an English, Reading, Math and Science section.  In February 2005 an optional 30 minute essay was added.  Some schools may require the essay, so be sure to ask before you take the test.

• When is it offered?  The ACT is given 6 times per year.
• Why take the ACT?  Many colleges and universities accept it (be sure to check with your schools to see what tests they require).
• How is it scored?  A composite score between 1 and 36 is given based on the average of 4 sections.
• How long is the test?  Actual testing time is 2 hours and 55 minutes; but with the added 30 minute Writing Test, total testing time is 3 hours, 30 minutes.

For more information, visit:  www.actstudent.org