Student Achievement & Assessment

2007-2008 Testing Calendar

Purpose of Assessment

The overall purpose of using assessment instruments is to improve curriculum, instruction, and student achievement.  All BPS teachers and staff understand that accurate assessment of a student's performance is essential for making instructional decisions, for communicating with parents, and for making appropriate decisions about programs.

Types of Assessments

Billings Public Schools uses assessments to measure the performance of students.  At various times during the year, parents receive an explanation about how their child performs on assessments. 

Curriculum Referenced Tests

Curriculum-referenced tests measure the performance of a student or students on specific skills directly related to the District's curriculum.  Student performance is evaluated according to specific mastery of tests.  Tests include:

  • Essential Skills - given quarterly in grades K-3
  • Achievement Level Tests (NWEA) - given in spring and fall in grades 48
  • District Writing Assessment (6-Trait) - given in spring and fall in grades 5, 7 and 9
  • State Writing Assessment - given in February in grade 11
  • Criterion Referenced (MontCas Phase II) - given in spring in grades 3-8 and 10 in Reading and Math and grades 4, 8 and 10 in Science

See how Billings Public School Students are scoring on Assessments.

Assessment Report to the Community - January 2008 pdf

Other Resources on Assessment: