Panther Families,
Over the past few years, LeRoy CUSD #2 has given the Cognia Assessment to 3rd through 8th grade students. The purpose of this assessment was to see student academic growth, and inform curriculum and instruction in real time. Unfortunately, Cognia is no longer offering their interim assessment we were using. During the 2022-23 school year, we piloted the Renaissance Star Assessment in 1st through 8th grades, which produces similar academic data and connects to intervention resources at school and home. Not only did Renaissance exceed our expectations, but we also believe they are an overall better product than Cognia.
At LeRoy CUSD #2, we do not believe any single assessment defines a child’s academic ability or potential. We believe the best measurement of learning occurs through providing students opportunities to show their knowledge and skills through our Habits of Success and Profile of a Graduate. Our district does recognize the need for assessment and accountability as a part of the student academic profile, which is why our local instruction is driven by learning standards, educational best practices, and multiple academic data points. This is why we are committing to the Renaissance Star platform for the 2023-24 school year and for the foreseeable future, which takes minimum time away from classroom instruction, provides immediate reports, and shows student growth through multiple data point collections over the course of the year. During the 2023-24 school year, we will administer the Star Assessment to students in 3rd through 8th grades. We will also pilot the assessment with a small sample size in Kindergarten through 2nd grade. Additional information regarding fall, winter, and spring assessments will be shared by building level administrators. The first group to assess will be 7th and 8th graders during the week of August 21st.
While assessment provides one piece of data in the profiles of our students, we believe the best academic work is done through our educators teaching the individual child in front of them. Learning standards have provided us flexibility to use innovative instructional practices needed to meet the competitive demands of a complex global economy. Our commitment to educational best practices, Habits of Success, and Profile of a Graduate provides our students a great opportunity to become college, career, or industry ready.
Jeff Baughman
Superintendent