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Testing
TESTING/ASSESSMENTS
Assessment is an integral part of the instructional cycle and fulfills several purposes for educators, students, parents, policy makers, and community members. Assessments administered at the state, district/charter, and school levels combine to form a system of assessments with the goal of supporting student growth.
The Early College High School at Delaware State University administers the following annual statewide assessments:
7th Grade Students
DeSSA Smarter Balanced ELA (Spring)
DeSSA Smarter Balanced Math (Spring)
8th Grade Students
DeSSA Smarter Balanced ELA (Spring)
DeSSA Smarter Balanced Math (Spring)
DeSSA Social Studies Assessment (Fall, Winter, Spring)
9th Grade Students (Spring)
PSAT 8/9
10th Grade Students (Spring)
High School Biology
PSAT 10
11th Grade Students (Spring)
SAT
High School Social Studies
Students will be administered a state-approved pre- and post-test for all core school courses (ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, PE, and Health).
Parents may obtain additional information about Delaware System of Student Assessments (DeSSA) here.
PARENT REFUSAL TO STUDENT ASSESSMENT: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Delaware assessments are a key part of implementing the Common Core State Standards and preparing all students for success in college and careers.
In Delaware, the purpose of state testing is to ensure students get the help they need to graduate with the knowledge and skills they need to make the most of their talents. The Delaware Department of Education recognizes state testing as an important part of understanding how schools, districts and the state are doing in educating and preparing students for college and careers. This is the primary way we can know if we are making appropriate progress toward educating students on the academic standards.
Student testing also helps districts and schools identify if there are specific populations within their school that are behind and may need extra assistance. And state testing helps parents understand how their child is doing in comparison to students in other schools.
There are no provisions in state or federal regulation that allow Delaware to have a system for parents to refuse student assessment. In addition, state and federal laws are clear that there is an expectation that all students will participate in the state assessment system. The only instances in which students can be excluded relate to exemption requests. Only two reasons are allowable for requests for exemptions: extreme medical incidents or for reasons of mental health of the child (each requires documentation from a physician).
Requirement to Test Students on Statewide Assessments