Assessments

In this age of accountability, assessments have become an integral part of an educational system. We use assessments for varying purposes; however, their primary purpose is to drive instructional decisions. It is important that parents have a basic understanding of the assessments used. 

AzMERIT
AzMERIT replaces AIMS for reading, writing, and math for third, fourth, and fifth grade students. It is a computer-based test, which provides engaging questions and measures critical thinking skills for college and career readiness. The assessment is aligned to the state learning standards, which detail what students should be able to do at each grade level. We administer the AzMERIT during the spring testing window. Check the school calendar for specific dates. For more information, please visit the Arizona Department of Education website.

AIMS – Science
Although the other state testing areas moved to AzMERIT, science remains with AIMS. At Hassayampa, only fourth graders will participate in this test during the spring testing window. For additional information, please visit the Arizona Department of Education website.

Galileo
Given multiple times a year in the content areas of reading and math to determine if first through fifth grade students are mastering the standards taught during the quarter as well as to determine if third through fifth are on track to passing state assessments. In addition to the quarterly checks, we give a pre and post-test at the beginning and end of each school year as a measure of growth.

District Formative Assessments (DFA)
We use weekly or bi-weekly, mini-formatives to determine if students have mastered the essential standard taught during that learning period. We base instructional groupings as well as recommendations for extra tutoring on the outcomes of these assessments.