Benchmark Testing

This week begins the mid-yeah benchmark testing. Our Title One Staff assesses EVERY student from Kindergarten to Fifth grade. For fourth grade students, the teachers assess their "ORF" (also known as "oral reading fluency" or how many words can a student read in a minute with minimum errors). It is not "the entire picture" of student reading skills, but it is a snapshot of one skill. We know that students who can read fluently, "free up" their brains to process what they read. The more a student has to start and stop, and pause to sound out words, the more they lose meaning, and the less connections they can successfully make, the less students comprehend.

We have two Title One classrooms, so we split the class into two groups to be tested. Students read their Story Town story, "The Stranger" as they waited their turn.

 Then the teachers take students individually to assess. Technology allows teachers to use a computer or iPad to mark student errors and progress. The software records individual student progress.

Mrs. Ryan, fourth grade Title One Teacher

Mrs. Ehlen, another Title One Staff Member

Mrs. Winkler, a fourth grade Title One staff member

Mrs. Westphal, a Title One teacher

The results will be shared with students and parents when we complete the rest of the mid-year assessments, by the end of the month. There are over 1100 students in our elementary school. Several of our tests require computers and technology. It can take several weeks to assess.