District Common Assessments (DCAs)
DCAs (District Common Assessments) are intended to measure how well a student has learned a specific body of knowledge and skills. The DCAs are not used in state or federal reporting. Their purpose is to provide students, parents, teachers, PLCs, and schools information about how well students are learning in a particular content area or course. This information can be used for grading, to improve student learning, and to improve teaching practices and curriculum materials.
Common Classroom Assessments
What is it: These assessments were developed to evaluate student proficiency toward district standards and objectives. They are generally written by classroom teachers in partnership with district specialists, and designed to provide consistency within the grade level, course, and school. These assessments are administered by classroom teachers when it best fits into their instruction.
Who takes it: Several grade levels and courses use common classroom assessments.
When are they taken: These assessments are typically taken by students at the end of a unit of instruction, course, or semester. Some common classroom assessments are administered in the middle of a unit or course and used for teachers to provide feedback to students about their progress.
What are the results used for: Teachers may use results to plan and improve instruction, regroup students, and as part of the final course grade. Students may use the results to set goals for their own learning. Parents may use the results as an indicator of student learning. Schools and the district may use results to evaluate programs, design curriculum, and provide professional learning for teachers.
