Communicating Assessment Results

Multiple layers of communication ensure that students, parents, and our community remain well informed about student academic performance at Chipeta.  Assessment results show all of Chipeta’s stakeholders that we are focused on student achievement and that we strive for continued excellence.

In August, the staff clearly defines the various assessments that will be administered to students through Open House presentations and parent letters.  Standards-based report cards are distributed during fall parent-teacher conferences; summative data from Colorado State Assessment Program and Measures of Academic Progress tests is explained. Teachers discuss how this data drives specific instruction.  Standards-based report cards, along with appropriate assessment data, are issued quarterly.  Spring conferences are held on an as-needed basis for at-risk students.

Throughout the year, strong communication continues. Teachers and staff members communicate with Chipeta families daily through student planners, and regularly through e-mail, phone calls, and weekly or monthly newsletters. The principal opens each school newsletter with a current data report. The Chipeta website, available to all community members, is updated with the school newsletter, current school-wide data such as CSAP reports, and the School Improvement Plan.  Banners and the marquee in front of our building inform our community of pertinent information and cite significant awards received for outstanding academic success. Classroom data displays reflect grade level goals and student progress. Students conference regularly with teachers to analyze data, set and revise goals, and track achievement. 

The broader community is represented on our Building Assessment and Accountability Committee.  The monthly meetings evaluate student data trends and progress towards School Improvement Plan targets.  Assessment data is published in the city newspaper when released by the Colorado Department of Education.  Neighborhood newsletters share Chipeta’s results and ensuing objectives as well.  The school brochure is available at local businesses and communicates the most current achievement data.  The school district presents comparative assessment data online; over 25% of our students live outside Chipeta’s enrollment boundaries and have elected to attend Chipeta.