Assessment

Hickman Charter School’s goal is to make assessment a natural part of the teaching-learning process. A variety of assessment instruments and data sources should be used to gain accurate information on both a particular student and overall school performance. These methods should be based on a “matrix of assessment” (set of assessment tools), which has as its foundation the assessment of the learner at the site of instruction (“home”) by the teacher-parent. The objective is to gain a whole-child assessment picture.

Our families collaborate with their Education Coordinators to discuss the following assessment tools:

Foundational Assessment Methods

Teacher-Parent

  • Teacher-parent observation Daily instructional products
  • Student-teacher dialogue
  • Portfolios: a collection  of self  evaluated work
  • Unit tests
  • Quizzes
  • Performances, projects and  demonstrations
  • Rubrics: a set of rules or standards by which to evaluate student work
  • Standardized tests

Supplemental Assessment Methods

Education Coordinator

  • Conferences
  • Coordinator’s observation
  • DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of  Basic Early Literacy Skills)
  • Evaluating student work  samples
  • Evaluations from elective  classes
  • Learning Records
  • Observational survey
  • Reading running records
  • Standardized tests 
  • Writing Portfolios

Other Performance Based

Assessment Methods

  • Accelerated Reader
  • Eighth grade graduation  requirements
  • Geography Bee
  • Literary Conference
  • Outdoor ED
  • SBAC test (computer assessment) in reading and mathematics

State Standardized Assessment and Hickman Charter School

All of us want to know that students in our local public school are progressing academically, that public education dollars are resulting in educated students. As a publicly funded charter school we need to demonstrate that parent-directed, parent-taught education is a reliable means of teaching students. We know we meet or exceed the standards and achievement of traditional public schools, and together we can prove it. Participation in state mandated assessment programs is a vital part of our ability to show that we are a viable choice for publicly funded education.

Other Instructional Assessment Tools

Hickman Charter School continually searches for valid and appropriate instructional and assessment technology. New tools may become available during the school year. Check with your Education Coordinator for current information about Hickman Charter School offerings.