need benchmark tests k-2 language, math, read

[sj]

Do you have any benchmark or other types of tests that will assess student progress in either reading, language, math, or writing that can be given periodically to track TEK mastery and/or show where on the continuum (sp?) a child is in a specific subject area? Computer scored would be nice. We use STAR. We've ordered Early Literacy (Renaissance Learning). I found Dibels--which we're looking at. What is out there for the other subject areas that might be similar to these reading ones?

[barbara]

<font face="Verdana, Helvetica" size="2">Originally posted by sj:
Do you have any benchmark or other types of tests that will assess student progress in either reading, language, math, or writing that can be given periodically to track TEK mastery and/or show where on the continuum (sp?) a child is in a specific subject area? Computer scored would be nice. We use STAR. We've ordered Early Literacy (Renaissance Learning). I found Dibels--which we're looking at. What is out there for the other subject areas that might be similar to these reading ones?</font>

My school is currently researching STAR Early Literacy to possible purchase. What do you see as the program's strengths/difficulties??

[sj]

I see the plus of STAR Early Literacy Assessment being that it is PK-3, which will give us some continuity of data over the years, plus it is easily administered and gives immediate data feedback so that you can monitor progress, create groups, etc. I haven't seen the actual product yet, but from what I've read of it, is appears to be capable of assessing phonemic awareness early on, and that is an area that we have not had an assessment for that we could track progress. It says that it assesses reading skills through reading comprehension, and if it really does, I think it would be great to have a single assessment that can cover the PK-3 range and show where the student is on the reading continuum. I am anxious to see the real thing to see if it lives up to my expectations.