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Student Assessment:NCLB's requirements for K-12 student testing and how this requirement is implemented in ColoradoNCLB outlines new requirements for student assessment and reporting on student achievement. Beginning in 2005-06, states are required to test all students annually in grades 3-8 in math and reading (or language arts). States must also comply with the 1994 requirement for testing students at least once annually in math and reading/language arts in grades 9-12. Science assessments must be implemented by 2007-08 and administered at least once during grades 3-5, 6-9, and 10-12. State assessments must align with state standards and all students must be tested including those with disabilities and limited English proficiency. Test results must include individual student scores and be reported by race, income, and other categories that help measure both trends and gaps in achievement. Reading and math tests are the primary indicators of whether schools and districts have made Adequate Yearly Progress under NCLB. When the Legislature passed SB 186 in 2000, the Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP) was expanded to include assessments in reading and writing in grades 3-10; math in grades 5-10; and science at grade 8. Every student with a disability participates in the state assessment system through CSAP-Alternate. CSAP-A is intended for a very small group of students on IEPs (Individual Education Programs) who require significantly different instructional and technological supports to learn. As of 2003, CSAP-A is offered in grade 4 in reading and writing to measure emerging literacy skills. CDE plans to develop and phase in additional grade level and content area CSAP-A assessments in the next five years. CSAP is currently offered in Spanish for reading and writing for grades 3-4.
Other NCLB Assessment linksNCLB in Focus: Accountability and Student Testing Colorado Department of Education: CSAP Information
NEA on NCLB Assessments
U.S. Department of Education Guidelines
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