5th Grade Screening
Step 1 – Data Review
Beginning in the fall, we work with teachers and collect data on all BSD 5th grade students. Multiple data points are collected and analyzed to determine Advanced Learning needs. Data to be collected and analyzed for each 5th grade student may include the following:
- Star Math
- Star Reading
- Smarter Balanced assessments
- Literacy skills for students in multi-lingual language programs
The Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) objectively reviews student performance data of all 5th grade students to determine those who may be in need of specialized instruction. The results are utilized to determine if there is a need for further assessment for possible inclusion in advanced learning domain-specific or self-contained services. Appeals are not accepted for students under Step 1 – Data Review.
Notification and Authorization for Further Assessment
Parents of students whose data indicates consistent performance well-beyond grade level in reading and/or math will be notified via email by the end of October and asked to provide authorization for their child to participate in additional testing. Results will be analyzed along with previously collected data points by the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT).
Step 2 – Further Assessment and Cognitive Abilities Testing
Students participating in further assessment will be scheduled to take the cognitive abilities test at their school. Parents/Guardians will receive an email approximately two weeks before the scheduled test date with more details on testing information.
Step 3 – Decision
Upon completion of further assessment, the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) will convene to review student data. The MDT objectively reviews student achievement and cognitive ability testing results to determine those who may be in need of specialized advanced learning instruction.
Students performing in the range of current advanced learning students will be identified for advanced learning Domain-Specific services or Self-Contained services. All results and identification decisions will be sent to parents/guardians via email by the end of April. Appeals are accepted only at Step 3 – Decision.