The board shall direct the superintendent to provide efficiency and effectiveness in all facets of its operations. In order to achieve this goal, the board shall provide:

A. A clear statement of expectations and/or standards for the district's instructional programs,

B. Staff, resources and support to achieve the stated expectations and/or standards; and

C. A plan for evaluating instructional programs and services to determine how well expectations and/or standards are being met.

The district will utilize a variety of assessment processes to:

A. Determine the effectiveness of the instructional programs,

B. Assess the progress of individual students in attaining student learning goals or standards,

C. Diagnose the needs of individual students who are not progressing at their expected rates, and

D. Identify students who are in need of specialized programs.

Parents who wish to examine any assessment materials may do so by contacting the superintendent or designee. Parent approval is necessary before administering a diagnostic personality test. Parents will be notified of their child's performance on any test or assessment conducted under the Washington State Assessment Program. No tests or measurement devices containing any questions about a student's or his/her family's personal beliefs and practices in family life, morality and religion shall be administered unless the parent or guardian gives written permission for the student to take such test, questionnaire or examination.

The superintendent or designee shall prepare an annual report which reflects the degree to which district goals and objectives related to the instructional program have been accomplished. The superintendent or designee shall annually review the assessment processes and procedures to determine if the purposes of the evaluation program are being accomplished. Specifically, the district shall adjust its curriculum if student performance under the Washington State Assessment Program indicates the district's students need assistance in identified areas.

Legal References:
Compulsory Coursework and Activities - Chapter 28A.230 RCW
Pupil tests and records - Tests - School district policy in writing - WAC 392-500-020
Pupil tests and records - Certain tests, questionnaires, etc.- Limitations - WAC 392-500-030
Pupil tests and records - Diagnostic personality tests- Parental permission required - WAC 392-500-035

Management Resources:
Elimination of Outdated and Obsolete Policies - Policy News, October 2007
Portions of HB 1209 Take Effect - Policy News, December 2000

Highline School District 401
Adopted by the Board: June 2008
Classification: Essential