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Each Spring, students across Kansas, including those in USD 428, participate in the Kansas Assessment Program. These assessments provide valuable insight into student learning and help guide instruction to ensure academic growth. While these tests are just one measure of progress, we encourage all students to approach them with confidence and put forth their best effort.
Assessments will take place during a window in late March - April. Your child’s attendance center will communicate the specific testing dates scheduled in their building and the grade levels included.
Why Are State Assessments Important?
Why Are State Assessments Important?
The Kansas Assessment Program measures student knowledge and skills in core subject areas, including English Language Arts (ELA), Mathematics, and Science (for designated grade levels). These results help teachers and administrators make informed decisions about curriculum and instruction to best support student learning.
How Can Families Support Their Students?
How Can Families Support Their Students?
Your encouragement plays a key role in student success! Here are a few simple ways to support your child during assessment season:
Encourage a Positive Attitude – Remind your child that these assessments are an opportunity to show what they know. Encouraging words can make a big difference!
Ensure Rest and Nutrition – A good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast can help students stay focused and engaged.
Be Mindful of Scheduling – Try to avoid scheduling appointments or absences on testing days so students can participate without added stress.
Show Your 428 Pride: When students do their best, it shows our community, state, and beyond that Great Bend Schools are a GREAT place to learn and grow!
Show Your 428 Pride: When students do their best, it shows our community, state, and beyond that Great Bend Schools are a GREAT place to learn and grow!
Why State Assessments Matter:
Why State Assessments Matter:
Targeted Support
Targeted Support
Results help us pinpoint exactly where your student excels and where they may need extra support or enrichment.
College & Career Ready
College & Career Ready
Especially as students progress through their educational career and enter the secondary level, these tests act as a "pulse check" to ensure they are on track for their post-graduation goals.
Stronger Instruction
Stronger Instruction
We use this data to refine our curriculum and teaching strategies, ensuring Great Bend High School remains a leader in academic excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Kansas Assessment Program:
Frequently Asked Questions about the Kansas Assessment Program:
Q: What are the state assessments?
A: State assessments encompass a range of questions aligned with statewide academic standards. KAP is designed to help educators and policymakers evaluate students' ability to demonstrate mastery of the state academic standards. These assessments also fulfill federal and state accountability mandates.
Q: Who takes the state assessments, and what subjects do they include?
A: Students in…
Grades 3-8, and 10 - English Language Arts (ELA) & Mathematics
Grades 5, 8, 11 - Science
Q: What do test scores or "levels" mean?
A: Performance levels are assigned based on student scores. It is important to note that these performance levels do not indicate whether a child is performing below or above grade level; they reflect performance, understanding, and application relative to the state-set grade-level academic standards.
Level 1: Shows limited ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills of grade-level content standards
Level 2: Shows basic ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills of grade-level content standards
Level 3: Shows proficient ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills of grade-level content standards
Level 4: Shows advanced ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills of grade-level content standards
Q: What are the test results used for?
A: State assessments are a summative assessment administered in the fourth quarter of the school year. This test is intended to demonstrate a student's mastery of state academic standards and indicate post-secondary readiness. We use results as a school district to track our overall progress as a system. Buildings use them to see how they are doing as a school. Individual students/families, teachers, and principals use the data to track students' progress toward readiness for graduation, postsecondary education, and careers. At USD 428, the KAP is one data point in a through assessment model that includes progress monitoring and proficiency screeners throughout the year. These data points inform classroom instruction and help place students in the appropriate interventions and/or enrichment opportunities. It is important that students take the tests seriously to provide an accurate picture of their progress in the school system.
Q: What other measures does USD 428 use to track my student's academic progress?
A: As part of USD 428’s Multi-Tier System of Support, students participate in progress monitoring throughout the year. This data is typically reviewed with parents/guardians during conferences and provides a roadmap for individual student growth. Progress monitoring and proficiency screeners shape classroom instruction and inform the structured support and interventions provided to students in small groups.
Q: How long do the assessments take?
A: Each test is divided into sections and is designed to be completed over multiple days to minimize fatigue. Students are given ample time to complete the assessments.
Q: Where do I see my student(s) Kansas Assessment Program results?
A: KAP scores will be available for families to review on the Kite Parent Portal. When results are available, we will send instructions for accessing the Parent Portal. We anticipate that scores will be available before the end of the school year.
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