District Accountability

In addition to state assessment, Highline Public Schools administers Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) in grades 3-8. Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) is administered in grades K-3. Both tests are valid and reliable interim measures and are indicators of preparedness for state assessments. Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) and High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE) and MAP are aligned with state Essential Academic Learning Requirements (EALR). MSP and HSPE are reported at grade levels 3 through 8 and grade 10. Following is a brief description of each assessment used in the Highline Public Schools:

 

Test   Grades Given Test Type Method Purpose

Advanced Place​ment Test (AP) 

Optional end of AP class

Determine proficiency following an AP course

Timed multiple-choice, short answer and extended response items

Earn credit or advanced standing at colleges and universities

Dynamic Indicators of Early Literacy - DIBELS K-3 Standards based test that measures initial sounds fluency, phonemic segment fluency, oral reading fluency and nonsense word fluency Tim​​ed (one minute) fluency measures. Used to regularly monitor the development of pre-reading and early reading skills
Measures of Academic Progress - MAP 3-8 Norm-referenced test administered in the areas of Reading, Language, Math and Science. Untimed, online adaptive test based on the same test theory that is used to measure SAT, Graduate Record Exam and Law School Admissions Test. Identify the skills and concepts that students have learned. Diagnose instructional needs of each student. Monitor academic growth over time. Make data driven decisions at the classroom and school level. Place new students into instructionally appropriate programs.
SAT
Optional
11 & 12
 Measures verbal and mathematical reasoning skills to be academically successful in college Timed multiple-choice questions College/University admission
Measurements of Student Progress (MSP) and High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE)
3-8,10

Standards-based test used to show the level of proficiency of students relative to the Essential Academic Learning Requirements

Untimed multiple-choice, short a​nswer, and completion questions Determine state learning standard in reading, writing, math, science. Reading and writing used for high school requirement for graduation Retakes available until passing
Washington English Language Proficiency Assessment (WELPA) K-12, ELL Proficiency test of listening, writing conventions, reading, writing, and speaking

Untimed, mix of multiple choice and performance items; part administered in writing and part administered orally

 Required by the State of Washington to measure the growth and language acquisition of all English Language Learners
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