Benchmark Assessments (grade-level content and skills)

In Franklin Lakes, Benchmark Assessments are one component of an assessment system intended to improve teaching and learning. According to Herman, et. al. (2010), "Benchmark assessments often serve four interrelated but distinct purposes:

(a) communicate expectations for learning,

(b) plan curriculum and instruction,

(c) monitor and evaluate instructional and/or program effectiveness, and

(d) predict future performance." 

About LinkIt Benchmark Assessments (English Language Arts & Mathematics):

Unlike traditional classroom tests that measure mastery of concepts and skills after students have received instruction, LinkIt! Benchmarks provide immediate feedback and serve as an assessment FOR learning, not OF learning. In FLPS, these NJ standards-aligned assessments are administered at three separate intervals (Fall, Winter, Spring) during the school year.  They are typically administered to students in general education classroom settings.

ABOUT FORM A (Fall)

Parents should not necessarily be alarmed by low scores on this initial baseline assessment as students are assessed on standards for which they may not yet have had exposure.  It is completely reasonable and expected for performance to appear “low.”  This serves as a pre-assessment of this year’s content and skills and establishes this starting point from which to monitor student progress as instruction takes place during the year. 

Your child, as well as his/her teacher and school administration, will continue to receive additional feedback from the winter and spring benchmark administrations. Benchmark results, combined with other information about your child's academic performance, inform individual student goals and help teachers strategically differentiate instruction and measure growth on specific standards and the overall curriculum.  

ABOUT FORM B (Winter)

At approximately the midpoint of the school year, students are expected to have made growth from the baseline fall assessment; however, parents should not necessarily be alarmed by scores that are lower in comparison to traditional end-of-unit or chapter tests.  Mastery of all the standards is not expected until the end of the school year -  as instruction on all grade-level standards has not occurred yet.  The emphasis on the winter assessment is on individual growth from the baseline (Form A) to the midpoint (Form B). 

Your child's teacher will confer with him/her to recognize growth on individual concepts and skills and provide individualized support for areas in which additional focus is needed.  The results from this round of benchmarking results will continue to be combined with other information about your child's academic performance to help inform whole-class, small-group, and individualized instruction. 

ABOUT FORM C (Spring)

The results from the final administration at the end of the school year provide information regarding student mastery of content standards.  This follows a year of instruction and may assist teachers in meeting the needs of students in the subsequent school year.

How Can I Obtain Information about My Student's Performance?

Parents can feel free to reach out to their child's classroom teacher for the results of benchmark assessments. They should keep in mind that the goal of each scheduled benchmark assessment.

Some parents may wish to discuss the results with their child, highlighting areas of strength and identifying areas of potential growth.  Some parents may also wish to have their child engage in additional standards-based practice via their IXL.com (see your child’s Analytics or access NJ state standards skill plans). 

Please feel free to reach out to your child’s teacher should you have specific questions about their classroom performance or report.