Assessment
DVUSD Assessment Philosophy
Assessment is the systematic collection of data about student learning based on standards and the use of that data to create a continuous cycle of improved teaching and learning. The DVUSD learning community believes that assessment is for student learning, is student-centered and involves a commitment by all stakeholders.
DVUSD Assessment Intent
District assessments are a part of an effective assessment system intended to determine both a current student performance level and measure of the guaranteed and viable, standards-based curriculum implemented across the district. In order to inform instruction, measure student learning, and close achievement gaps, DVUSD endorses the use of diverse classroom assessment data, such as formative, summative, performance-based, portfolio, and student observation. Results are used in conjunction with district, state, and national assessment data to form a picture of student learning. DVUSD celebrates data indicators that provide opportunity for growth in the goal of providing an extraordinary educational experience for all students.
DVUSD Approach to Assessment
DVUSD’s approach to assessment includes appropriate periodicity within each content area and a focus on five measurement purposes:
- baseline (beginning level of knowledge prior to instruction)
- inform instruction (level of understanding throughout instruction)
- show content mastery (summative)
- gauge student growth (summary of learning attained over a period of time)
- predict success (expectation of future performance)
Learn more about State Achievement Testing
Learn more about PSAT Testing
High School Course Grade Enhancement
The ACT assessment provides students, teachers, and parents with information about a student's aptitude in English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing. The AzSCI assessment measures students' mastery of the standards in Science. It is important that students perform their best on these assessments to accurately assess their academic progress. In order to motivate students to put forth a strong effort, students are eligible to positively impact their semester grades in courses aligned to the ACT and AzSCI assessments. The grade enhancement policy provides an incentive for students to do well on the tests, as well as in their course of study in preparation for the assessments.
Eleventh grade students who perform at a proficient level on the Math section of the ACT state assessment may have each semester of their course grades raised one grade level up to a "B" in the math courses listed below. Eleventh grade students who perform at a highly proficient level on the Math section of the ACT state assessment may have each semester of their course grades raised one grade level up to an "A" or in the following math courses.
Eleventh grade students who perform at a proficient level on the English, Reading, and Writing sections combined of the ACT state assessment may have each semester of their ELA course grades raised one grade level up to a "B" or "3" in the courses listed below. Eleventh grade students who perform at a highly proficient level on the English, Reading, and Writing sections combined of the ACT state assessment may have each semester of their ELA course grades raised one grade level up to an "A" or "4" in the following courses:
- Geometry 1-2
- Geometry 1-2 H
- Algebra 3-4
- Algebra 3-4 H
- IB Geometry or IB Algebra 3-4
- Algebra Applications
- ELA 3-4
- ELA 3-4 H
- ELA 5-6
- IB ELA 3-4 or IB ELA 5-6
- Eleventh grade students who perform at a proficient level on the AzSCI state assessment may have each semester of their science course grades raised one grade level up to a "B" or "3" in the courses listed below. Eleventh grade students who perform at a highly proficient level on the AzSCI state assessment may have each semester of their science course grades raised one grade level up to an "A" or "4" in the following science courses:
- AP Seminar-ELA 3-4 H (not AP Seminar)
- AP Language and Composition
- Junior level ELA dual enrollment courses
- Biology, Biology H
- IB Biology Gifted H
- Chemistry, Chemistry H
- IB Chemistry Gifted H
- Earth Science
- Earth Science H
- Environmental Science
- Environmental Science H
Special Notes:
Only grades for courses taken with DVUSD can be enhanced.
- Only grades earned during the or prior to the testing year can be enhanced.
- No grade can be enhanced multiple times.
- No grade will be lowered due to poor performance on the ACT or AzSCI assessments.
- For dual enrollment courses, only the high grade will be enhanced. The college grade will remain the same on the college transcript.