Student Testing

All students new to Defer receive new student testing in the areas of math and reading.   Reading tests are also administered to students that are referred for testing by parents, former or current teachers or the reading specialist.

These test results determine, in part, if a student is eligible to receive support services from the Reading Specialist and/or Title I.  These support programs are recommended for qualifying students but are not mandatory. 

Reading tests are administered by the Reading Specialist.  Students are given an informal reading inventory and a computerized silent reading test.  Reading comprehension, oral reading, and silent reading are assessed.  For a more detailed account of these tests please visit the Reading Web Site.

Math tests are administered by a Title I assistant and/or the Title I teacher.  Students are tested in a small group setting.  The test administered is the California Achievement Test.  This is a standardized math test that assesses math concepts and computation. The math test scores are stated as a percentile and demonstrate how a child's score compares to other children on a national basis.

While testing provides useful information, a test score is only one indication of a child's achievement.  Other factors are taken in consideration as well when qualifying a student for a support program.