Assessment Support

Assessment Tools 

English Language Arts and Mathematics 

Computer Adaptive Comprehensive Interim Assessments (CA-CIAs) 

» Computer adaptive, quasi-secure comprehensive interim assessments that replace the computer adaptive, highly secure (Policy 2340 training required) Classroom Benchmark Assessments (CBAs), have the same test blueprint as the WVGSA, and report group and individual student data on content standard mastery. Below are possible scenarios for use of the CA-CIAs. 

• ›  Scenario 1:
  Test Students One Time Using Below Grade-Level CA-CIA (Grades 4-9) 
• ›  Scenario 2:
  Test Students One Time Using Current Grade-Level CA-CIA (Grades 3-8) 
• ›  Scenario 3:
  Test Students Two Times Using Below Grade-Level CA-CIA (Grades 4-9) 
• ›  Scenario 4:
  Test Students Two Times Using Current Grade-Level CA-CIA (Grades 3-8) 
• ›  Scenario 5:
  Test Students One Time Using Below Grade-Level CA-CIA and One Time Using Current Grade- Level CA-CIA (Applicable only for Grades 4-8) 

Fixed Form Comprehensive Interim Assessments (FF-CIAs) 

» Fixed form, quasi-secure comprehensive interim assessments that have the same test blueprint as the WVGSA and report group and individual student data on content standard mastery. While the fixed form test does not provide the preferred level of student performance data as the CA- CIA, it can be accessed in the Teacher Item Previewer and offers item-level data. 

>Scenario 1: Test Students One Time Using Below Grade-Level FF-CIA (Grades 4-9)
>Scenario 2: Test Students One Time Using Current Grade-Level FF-CIA (Grades 3-8) >Scenario 3: Test Students One Time Using Below Grade-Level FF-CIA and One Time Using 

Interim Module Assessments (IMAs) -FAYETTE COUNTY FOCUS 

» Short fixed form module tests that assess groups of related clusters from the content standards and measure student progress throughout the year.

IMAs focus on specific clusters and take less time to complete. 

Use This Process:

• Select an IMA that addresses a standard you are teaching 
• You can select FORM A, B, C, etc.- but do same form pre & Post !!!
• Give IMA Form A-as a Pre-test
• Teach the lesson 
• Give IMA Form A- as a Post-test
  • Use as a FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT and Adjust instruction
  • Enter this pre & post data into your data notebook

Diagnostic Assessments (DIAs) 

» Short fixed form tests, written by West Virginia educators, that assess individual clusters of content standards and measure student progress throughout the year. 

Science

Science Interim Assessments (SIAs) 

» Grade-band, cluster tests that assess clusters of related content standards in elementary and middle school science and measure student progress throughout the year. 

West Virginia Interim and Diagnostic Tools, and
the Formative Assessment Process An Informational Guide for Parents/Guardians

Detailed below is information regarding interim and diagnostic assessments, as well as the formative assessment process, teachers may use during the upcoming school year to inform and adjust instruction to address each student’s individual academic needs.

Interim and Diagnostic Assessments

An interim or diagnostic assessment is a form of assessment educators use periodically during the school year to evaluate where students are in their learning progress and to determine whether students are on track for college and career readiness. Interim and diagnostic assessments should not to be used to provide “grades” for students.

The West Virginia Department of Education provides the interim and diagnostic assessments described below for optional use to counties and schools. Counties and schools also may choose to purchase and administer other off-the- shelf interim assessments.

English Language Arts and Mathematics

» Comprehensive Interim Assessments (CIAs)

• ›  Similar in length, scope, and types of questionsto the year-end West Virginia General SummativeAssessment (WVGSA).
• ›  Taken early in the school year, provides abaseline of student understanding.
• ›  Taken later in the school year, provides evidenceof student mastery of content.
• ›  Two types available:› Computer Adaptive CIA
  • Adapts based on whether the studentanswers correctly or incorrectly.
  • Each student may see different questions.

English Language Arts and Mathematics

› Fixed Form CIA

• Does not adapt based on student responses.
• Each student in a class or group sees thesame questions.The Formative Assessment Process

Science

» Science Interim Assessments (SIAs)

• ›  Grade-band tests:› Elementary School, Grades 3-5.› Middle School, Grades 6-8.
• ›  Short tests assessing “chunks” of related content.
• ›  Taken throughout the school year.

Formative assessment is a daily process teachers use to gather evidence during instruction to personalize learning for all students.

How the Process Works

During a lesson, the teacher may:
» Communicate to students the learning goals for the lesson.
» Ask students to ask questions.
» Ask students questions to see if they understand the material.
» Ask students to indicate their level of understanding.
» Ask students to explain, in their own words, what they were just studying. » Provide immediate, useful feedback to students.

If a student displays difficulty, the teacher may adjust instruction to help students better understand the content being taught. This helps teachers ensure their students are learning what they need to know, and it keeps students from falling behind.

Interim Module Assessments (IMAs)
› Short tests assessing “chunks” of related content. › Several tests are available to allow all the content for the school year to be assessed.

. Diagnostic Assessments (DIAs)

• ›  Very short tests assessing more specific content than interim module assessments.
• ›  Four ELA tests per grade.
• ›  Ten to eleven math tests per grade.
• ›  Taken throughout the school year.

Questions Parents/Guardians May Ask Regarding the Use of Interim and Diagnostic Tools to support instruction in Grades 3-9 during Re-entry

What assessment tools are available for my student’s teacher to use to help identify my student’s academic strengths and weaknesses as school resumes?

The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) provides a variety of interim and diagnostic assessment tools for teachers to use throughout the school year:

1. »  Comprehensive Interim Assessments (CIAs):
   • ›  Assess students on content standards in English language artsand mathematics
   • ›  Similar in length and scope to the West Virginia GeneralSummative Assessment (WVGSA)
   • ›  Include similar types of questions as the WVGSA
   • ›  Two types available:
     • Computer adaptive
     • Fixed form
2. »  Interim Module Assessments (IMAs), Diagnostic Assessments (DIAs), and Science Interim Assessments (SIAs):› Include similar types of questions as the WVGSA › Much shorter tests
   › Assess smaller amounts of contentMore details about the state-provided interim and diagnostic assessment tools are located on the West Virginia Interim and Diagnostic Tools, and the Formative Assessment Process: An Informational Guide for Parents/ Guardians. This document is located at https://wvde.us/assessment/learn-more-about-testing/.
3. As my student returns to school this fall, what are the benefits he or she gains by taking an interim or diagnostic test early in the school year? – Because the COVID-19 pandemic forced the suspension of the usual spring statewide testing, the WVDE recognizes the need to explore different ways of finding any gaps in learning which may have occurred because of the change in instructional methods. Interim and diagnostic assessment tools are available to assist educators in locating these gaps.
4. These online assessment tools:

• »  Provide student data missed when students in Grades 3-8 were not administered the WVGSA in spring 2020.
• »  Allow schools to obtain information regarding each student’s academic strengths and weaknesses.
• »  Allow for the creation of learning goals and targets.
• »  Allow educators, students, and parents/guardians to matchinstruction with student academic needs.

How will these tests be administered to my student?

The interim and diagnostic tests will be administered on a computer in the same manner the WVGSA is administered each spring. Teachers administer the tests in class during a time they choose.

If my student has accommodations, will those be available on the interim and diagnostic tests?

Yes. Students who have an
IEP, Section 504 Plan, or EL Participation Plan will receive all available accommodations the same as they would for the WVGSA.

If the interim and diagnostic tests are administered, how will my student’s results be used?

All interims provide valuable data to assist educators, students, and parents/guardians in meeting the individual academic needs of our students. Your student’s results allow the teacher to adjust instruction ensuring students better understand what is being taught.

WV PEAKS

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