The current emphasis on assessment in the public schools has been driven by the necessity for students to leave high school with the skills required to complete in a global economy. Across the nation, this has led to the development of standards-based accountability systems in which curriculum goals are set for students learning at each level and student assessments are aligned with those goals. During the 2000 General Session, the State Legislature enacted H.B. 177, which created the assessment system called Utah Performance Assessment System for Students (U-PASS). The development of this system has made Utah a national leader in the assessment arena. The major components of U-PASS are accountability and assessment. Accountability in education addresses the right of every student in Utah's public school system to receive the instruction and opportunities he or she needs to become successful. Accountability involves a shared responsibility among teachers, students, parents, and business and community leaders to support the educational progress of Utah's children. Accountability involves determining what our students are learning and what actions we need to take to increase that level of learning and understanding. Test scores provide a tool to improve instruction and are intended to be used for this purpose. Seven major assessment programs are included in U-PASS. Each has its own unique purpose and characteristics.
Core Assessment Criterion-Referenced (CRT) Tests
Sometimes known as the "End of Level" tests, this assessment includes reading/language arts and mathematics for grades 1-11, as well as science for grades 4-12. These tests are based on and assess major elements of the Utah State Core Curriculum and form the foundation of the U-PASS assessments.
Direct Writing Assessment
Used to assess writing proficiency and given in conjunction with the CRT's to students in grades 6 and 9, this test requires students to generate a short essay response to a prescribed topic.
Supplementary Reading Tests
Because reading is the foundation upon which all learning is built, it is wise to use more than one instrument to determine a student's reading level. The supplementary reading tests are commercial assessments that supplement the CRT results in determining what percentage of students are reading on grade level grades 1-10.
Utah Basic Skills Competency Test
Given to students in the spring of their tenth grade year, this test includes three major sections: reading, writing, and mathematics. Total Testing time will be approximately four to six hours. Beginning with the class of 2006, students must pass every section of this test, as well as complete all other graduation requirements to receive a high school diploma. The Basic Skills Competency Test will be offered twice a year, and students will have multiple opportunities to retake any section they do not pass. Students who miss a test administration may take the test at the next administration. Accommodations will be allowed for students with an IEP, 504 plan, or those who are English language learners. A Spanish-language version of the mathematics section will be available.
Stanford Achievement Tests (SAT)
A commercially developed, norm-referenced test, the Stanford compares the performance of Utah students to a nationally representative group of students in the same grades. The Stanford covers reading, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Results are reported for students in grades 3, 5, 8 and 11.
National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)
Schools are selected randomly to participate in this federal testing program that yields results comparing our state performance to that of other states. NAEP testing involves grades 4 and 8 and assess reading, writing, mathematics, and science, with each subject being assessed every four years. State law mandates that all selected Utah schools participate in NAEP testing.
Utah Alternate Assessment (UAA)
This assessment provides an appropriate way to measure individual progress for students with specific disabilities who are not able to participate in other state - and district-wide tests, even with accommodations. This test is available only to students enrolled in Specials Education programs.