Assessments
The Open School is a public school and as such bears the same responsibility to state and district accountability systems as would any other public school in the Jeffco school district. As an unabashedly unconventional option in today’s landscape of public education, it is particularly important that our students participate in these assessments as a way of ensuring that we can be a school and remain a relevant voice in what is possible for public education.
Undoubtedly, at Open School we value what we consider more authentic forms of assessment over standardized instruments, but we also value our students’ ability to transfer their authentic learning to new or unfamiliar situations. While we do not prioritize academic preparation for the purpose of performing on district and state assessment, we know that standardized assessment is a genre of learning-demonstration and we want our students to feel capable in demonstrating their learning on these instruments. The data from state and district assessments helps to guide instructional decisions and can deepen understanding of our students as learners.
Assessments in Jeffco
Assessments inform instruction and monitor student progress. Assessments should:
- Add value to the student learning experience.
- Engage families in supporting their students.
- Help identify strengths, interests and opportunities for growth for all students.
A collection of assessment results can be used to help set goals, identify priorities and inform equity of access to grade-level learning.
Individual schools determine which additional assessments will support their specific student population’s learning. Each school will select specific dates within the district-provided assessment windows.
Some assessments are required by federal or state law; see information regarding state assessment participation. Families can refuse participation in state assessments for their students. Contact your student's school if you have questions about test refusals.
How to View Assessment Data on Student Insights Jeffco Elementary Assessment Schedule Jeffco Secondary Assessment Schedule