Assessment Information

The Bellevue School District uses a variety of assessments to support student learning and measure academic progress. These assessments are aligned with Washington State learning standards and are used to guide instructional practices and decision-making within the district.

District-Level Assessments

DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills): Beginning in kindergarten, teachers use DIBELS to monitor the development of early literacy and early reading skills. DIBELS are short (one minute) fluency measures. The Spanish version is mClass Lectura.
TRC (Text Reading and Comprehension): TRC is used in conjunction with DIBELS as an early literacy formative assessment. TRC measures a range of skills including reading fluency, accuracy and comprehension. Spanish and Chinese versions of TRC are used in the dual-language programs.
Star Reading and Math: Star tests are standardized, aligned with state standards, and used by many districts across the country. Starting usually in grade 2, students take the tests on computers, and questions adjust to get easier or harder based on student answers. Star tests are also available in a Spanish version. Each subject test takes about 15-20 minutes. Star results are used to help identify students who may need additional supports or are ready for greater challenges, and to measure academic growth over time.
BSD Interim Assessments: Created by Bellevue School District teachers and curriculum developers, students across the district take interim assessments in English, math, science and social studies courses. The results help to guide instruction, monitor subject-area progress, and provide valuable feedback for instructional initiatives.

State-Level Assessments

Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBA): English language arts (ELA) and math tests in grades 3–8 and 10 are required for federal and state accountability. The high school ELA and math assessments can also be used to meet a student's graduation pathway requirement.
Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science (WCAS): Science tests for grades 5, 8, and 11 are required for federal and state accountability.
Washington - Access to Instruction and Measurement (WA-AIM): ELA, math, and science alternate assessments in grades 3–11 for students with significant cognitive disabilities documented in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) are required for federal and state accountability. The high school ELA and math assessments can be used to meet a student's graduation pathway requirement.
Washington Kindergarten Inventory of Skills (WaKIDS): This program helps bring families, teachers, and early learning providers together to support each kindergarten student's learning and transition into public schools.
WIDA Screener: Test that is used to determine the initial eligibility for English language development services for multilingual learners in grades K–12.
Annual WIDA ACCESS Assessments: Tests given to all students in grades K–12 who qualify for English language development services to determine which students remain eligible to continue receiving English language development services.
WIDA Alternate ACCESS: Test given to students in grades K–12 with significant cognitive disabilities who qualify for English language development services to determine which students remain eligible to continue receiving English language development services.

National Assessments

AP (Advanced Placement) exams: The College Board’s AP courses and exams are well known across the country, and Bellevue high schools have a large selection of AP course offerings. Most colleges grant credit, advanced placement, or both for qualifying AP Exam scores. AP Exams take place each May.
IB (International Baccalaureate) exams: Interlake High School is an authorized IB World School. Students have the opportunity to earn an IB Diploma, which is recognized as one of the most academically rigorous college prep programs in the world. All Interlake students have access to IB courses. IB Exams take place each May.
PSAT and SAT exams (College Board):
- The PSAT test is offered during the school day in October to all 11th graders. PSAT scores can qualify students for the National Merit Scholarship Program (NMSQT) and other scholarships. It is also excellent preparation for students who plan to take the SAT.
- The SAT exam is used by some colleges in their admission decisions. SAT is offered during the school day twice: once in the fall for seniors, and once in the spring for juniors. In addition, the district hosts the SAT on two Saturdays during the school year.
NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress): NAEP is a congressionally mandated program that assesses what our nation’s students know and can do in various subjects such as civics, math, reading, and US history. Students in selected schools (usually grades 4 and 8) take a NAEP test in one subject. NAEP results are released at the state and national level; however, individual, school and district scores are not available.