The Palmyra School District has developed a comprehensive and coordinated approach to formative and summative assessment processes that incorporate:
- State Assessments providing annual data
- Criterion and Norm Referenced Externally Developed Assessments providing quarterly data
- Teacher/School - Developed Assessments providing quarterly and formative data
In order to improve organization and minimize conflicts in the schedule, we have created a district-wide Palmyra Schools Assessment Calendar through the Google platform that can be viewed here. Information about various testing components can be seen on the page below.
NJSLA Testing
View the full state testing schedule online through the state website here.
19-20 Palmyra Public Schools Planned Testing Dates:
- Palmyra High School (Grades 9-11): April 21-29 (Subject to Change as Needed)
- Palmyra Middle School (Grades 6-8): April 21-29 (Subject to Change as Needed)
- Charles Street School (Grades 3-5): May 11-21 (Subject to Change as Needed)
- PARCC Appeals: February 17 to 28, 2019 (State window extends through May if needed)
- NJ Science Testing will take place in May (roughly May 18-21)
MAP Testing
All students in grades K-8 will completes tests called Measures of Academic Progress ® (MAP ® ) to measure mathematical skill, achievement, and growth. The district began the MAP test initiative in the 2012-2013 and have efficiently used MAP to track student growth and facilitate greater academic achievement by using the results effectively. By giving students MAP tests to determine their mathematical strengths and weaknesses, we can measure academic growth throughout the school year, track progress from year to year, and improve instruction in the classroom and at the building and district level.
Elements of the class and student scores will be shared with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and counselors for the sake of personal academic improvement as well as curriculum and programmatic decisions.
Guide to MAP Testing for parents
Parent Toolkit- See here!
NWEA.org - The site of the Northwest Evaluation Association, who run the MAP testing with our district. This site has a myriad of information about MAP testing for students, parents, and school personnel.
Normative Data - (File Linked Below) This normative data information sheet offers the mean (average) RIT scores for each grade for a typical school district (using 50th percentile data) and overviews and explains the information provided.
Sample Student Progress Report- (File Linked Below) This sample report identifies the various components and pieces of information on your student's report to make it easier to read your child's scores and understand what they really mean.
PARENTS!!!The district delivered a Parent MAP Night at the onset of MAP Testing in the 12-13 school year where we discussed the meaning of, and uses of, your student's MAP Scores and the testing process. Review the powerpoint from the evening below.
SRI Testing in Palmyra
In addition to math testing through NWEA MAP for grades K-8, the district has also adopted the use of Scholastic Reading Inventory (SRI) to track annual reading progress and growth for all students grades K-8. The testing schedule for each school year is as follows:
- All students grades K-8 complete the SRI Reading Assessment in the Fall Testing Season for a fresh baseline (last week in October)
- All students are tested in the Winter Testing Season (mid February) to collect formative data on progress. This data is used by staff to inform instructional planning and check student growth.
- All students are tested again in the Spring Testing Season (late April) to collect data on final growth. This is used by building and district staff to review instructional effectiveness and check student growth.
For further information on the Scholastic Reading Inventory, please see the "State and District Assessments" page in the menu bar on the left.