Assessment

In order to help students make up for learning loss due to COVID-19, Anna ISD will be implementing the requirements of House Bill 4545 that was recently passed in the 87th Regular Legislative Session. The new statute is effective, as of June, 2021, with acceleration instruction practices required during the 2021-2022 school year for all students, based on results from Spring 2021.

HB 4545 establishes new requirements for accelerated instruction for students who do not pass the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR®). At a high level, the legislation includes:

● Elimination of grade retention and retesting requirements in grades 5 and 8

● For any student who does not pass the STAAR test in grade 3, 5, or 8 in math or reading, a new LEA requirement to establish an accelerated learning committee to develop an individual educational plan for the student and monitor progress

• Acceleration plan for students who did not take a STAAR/EOC assessment in grades 3-12 in the spring of 2021 unless excused by demonstrating proficiency on the District Beginning of Year MAP assessment.

Learning Acceleration

● For any student who does not pass the STAAR test in grades 3–8 or STAAR (EOC) end-of-course assessments, accelerated instruction requirements specify that it must include either:

● Being assigned a classroom teacher who is a certified master, exemplary,

or recognized teacher or

● Receiving supplemental instruction (tutoring) before or after school, and/or

embedded in the school day

Anna ISD has chosen the second option of providing supplemental instruction (tutoring) after school, and/or embedded in the school day. This instruction can also take place during the summer and/or on Saturdays.

While we recognize that time will be at a premium, it is important that we understand how students are performing, so that we can maximize our use of time. Pre-assessing students to determine their level of entry knowledge will be important in focusing instruction. Anna ISD will conduct beginning of the year assessments in each grade level to determine students' level of academic performance to help develop lessons and guide instructional support.

Additionally, campuses will follow the district’s Elementary Assessment Calendar and Secondary Assessment Calendar for district testing windows. Students will continue to test online as appropriate for MAP Growth, District Unit Assessments, and Campus Assessments. In the event students are at home due to quarantine, they will make up their assessment upon their return to school.