Assessment

 
Dr. Joseph T. Coleman
Director of Assessment/Principal G.W. Carver Elementary School
 
 
Mrs. Michelle Lemon, Administrative Assistant
Phone:  (540) 389-0130
Fax:  (540) 389-4135
 
Assessment is a very important component of the School Division's total responsibility. Students are assessed periodically using a variety of tests in order to measure their academic growth and their level of achievement. Each year students in all three levels, (elementary, middle school and high school) are assessed using the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) test. In addition, students enrolled in credit-bearing courses are tested throughout the school year (summer, fall and spring) primarily at the high school level. Further, another component of SOL assessments are the Virginia Alternate and Alternative Assessments. These include:
  • The Virginia Grade-Level Alternative (VGLA)
  • The Virginia Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP)
  • The Virginia Substitute Evaluation Program (VSEP)
  • The Virginia Modified Achievement Standards Test (VMAST)

Assessment provides an umbrella for following major functions:

  1. Securing Computers for Testing
  2. State Single Sign on Web System (SSWS) System (Backup)
  3. Pearson Access Testing System
  4. Educational Information Management System
  5. The Virginia Assessment Program--SOL Testing
    • Summer, Fall, and Spring
    • VAAPs, VGLAs, VSEPs, VMASTs
  6. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)Testing
  7. Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Testing
  8. SATs and PSATs
  9. The Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS) Testing –(Elementary Instruction)
  10. Other additional Testing responsibilities
    • SOL Test Analysis
    • Compilation of the Education Value-Added Assessment System and MAP Data Collections

Each School has its own test coordinator(s). These individuals are responsible for schoolwide testing. This can be a very demanding responsibility. In Salem, we have very skilled and capable individual serving in these positions. Also, Mr. Tom Willett is our Alternative Assessment Specialist. He is responsible for overseeing the effective implementation of our “V” test and special situation testing programs.

    • Dr. Kristi Snow, Salem High School
    • Melinda Farley, Andrew Lewis Middle School
    • Sarah Cocowitch, East Salem Elementary
    • Sheri Smith, GW Carver Elementary School
    • Mandy Dallas and Laura James, South Salem Elementary
    • Mary Gubala and Debbie Carroll, West Salem Elementary
    • Tom Willett, Central Office, serving the entire school division and students residing in off-campus Special Situation Schools. 

      Checks these links for further testing information 

      Salem City Schools SOL Testing Calendar 2012

      Summer 2011 Non-Writing Test Implementation Manual