The Assessment and Reporting Committee (ARC) was established in the fall of 2018 to use state frameworks and credible sources to build capacity, promote professional dialogue, and problem solve grade level questions and concerns on assessments and report cards in a safe and fair environment.  Through research, dialogue, and collaboration, grade level teams (over one hundred teachers) began to create resources and systems in these areas.  The following process was designed and fine-tuned by three grade levels to develop assessments and was used to help develop the VESD Benchmark Assessments commencing in the academic year 2021-22. 

1. Identify the purpose of the assessment (i.e., formative, summative, etc.).

2. Establish agreed upon criteria of the assessment (i.e., how many questions, which standards, etc.).

3. Divide content or standards into small groups.

4. Post assigned group standards.

5. Small groups use established criteria from step 2, in tandem with other credible resources (i.e., SBAC Blueprints, Common Core Curriculum Guide, IABs, SBAC Content Explorer) to identify potential test questions in DnA’s Itembank (formally Illuminate).  Each potential test question has a specific ID number, and these numbers are posted.

6. After all teams post their potential test questions, each one is vetted by the team and approved or a replacement question is found.

7. Once all questions are vetted and the team agrees on the test, it is created by Ed Services.

In addition to this process, feedback collected from teachers in the pilot administration of benchmarks in November 2020, the initial administration in March 2021, and recommendations from an outside consultant were included to strengthen the assessments that were introduced in 2021-22.  

Recommendations include:

• Ensuring adequate Lexile level and passage length equivalency to SBAC

• Variance of item types to maintain focus and engagement

• Depth of Knowledge (DOK) averages of tests in similar range to that of SBAC Blueprints

Based on research and feedback gathered during the 2024–25 school year, the 2025–26 Benchmark Assessments were updated to reflect the following improvements:

• • • A small number of additional questions were added to benchmarks with fewer than 10 items to more accurately assess key standards.

    • Baseline Assessments were aligned to prior year’s standards to better assess student retention and readiness.

    • Trimester Benchmarks (Tri 1–Tri 3) featured:

      • • Consistent question types aligned to focus standards across all trimesters

        • Depth of Knowledge (DOK) levels intentionally aligned to the rigor of the standards

        • Content connected to the Smarter Balanced Content Explorer, ensuring alignment with CAASPP expectations

    • To support instructional planning, Benchmark Blueprints included:

      • • Sample question stems

        • Helpful links and resources designed to deepen student thinking and extend learning