Classroom and Standardized

Testing in Cloquet Public Schools

Cloquet Public Schools Testing and Assessment program incorporates state-wide testing, local standardized testing, and classroom assignments and observation to provide a complete profile of student achievement and curricular strengths and weaknesses. Compared to both national norms and state-wide test results, Cloquet students perform exceedingly well.

Local Tests include:

FASTBridge is a “progress monitoring system based on direct, frequent and continuous student assessment used in both elementary schools K-5 to assess progress in reading and math.

1. Benchmark – Assess all students three times per year for universal screening (early identification), general education progress monitoring, and AYP accountability.

2. Strategic Monitor – Monitor at-risk students monthly and evaluate the effectiveness of instructional changes.

3. Progress Monitor – Write individualized annual goals and monitor more frequently for those who need intensive instructional services.” 

S.T.A.R. Reading and Math is a computerized test given in grades 1-8 that “determines the appropriate level of challenge for each student to personalize practice and individualize instruction.” 

ASVAB: (The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is the most widely used multiple-aptitude test battery in the world. As an aptitude test, the ASVAB measures your strengths, weaknesses, and potential for future success. The ASVAB also provides you with career information for various civilian and military occupations and is an indicator for success in future endeavors whether you choose to go to college, vocational school, or a military career.” This test is given in eleventh grade.  For more information.

PSAT: “It's a standardized test that provides firsthand practice for the SAT Reasoning Test™. It also gives you a chance to enter National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) scholarship programs. The PSAT/NMSQT measures: critical reading skills, math problem-solving skills, and writing skills.” This test is given in eleventh grade. For more information.

ACCUPLACER: The purpose of ACCUPLACER tests is to provide useful information about academic skills in math, English, and reading. The assessment results, in conjunction with academic background, goals, and interests, are used by academic advisors and counselors to determine your course selection. This test is given in eleventh grade and used to ascertain placement in some College-in-the-Schools classes.  For more information.

ACT PLAN: "As a "pre-ACT" test, PLAN is a powerful predictor of success on the ACT. At the same time, many schools recognize the importance of PLAN testing for all students, as it focuses attention on both career preparation and improving academic achievement." ACT PLAN is given in Grade 10.  For more information.

ACT: The ACT is a “national college admissions examination that consists of subject area tests in reading, math, science, and English. The ACT includes 215 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete, including a short break (or just over four hours if you are taking the ACT Plus Writing). Actual testing time is 2 hours and 55 minutes (plus 30 minutes if you are taking the ACT Plus Writing). The ACT is administered on five test dates—in October, December, February, April, and June. In selected states, the ACT is also offered in September.” The test can be taken in the eleventh and twelfth grades. For more information.

SAT: The SAT is also a college admissions test covering writing, mathematics, and reading. Although the test is not given at CHS, support is provided to help students register for the test at a location in Duluth. Students may take the test in eleventh and twelfth grade. For more information.

District Advisory Council (DAC) Committee

Functions of DAC

• Act as the communication conduit among licensed staff, administration, and the school board.

• Define, review, and revise the standardize guidelines for the DAC and building site teams as necessary.

• Advise the process of curriculum development and assist with K-12 alignment.

• Coordinate a staff development plan.

• Assist in the development and implementation of a long-range plan for school improvement.

• Oversee system accountability reports.

• Assist in the development of the school calendar.

Under Minnesota Statutes, section 120B.11, school districts are to develop a World’s Best Workforce (WBWF) Annual Report and report summary for each school year. This summary should document the WBWF student achievement goals that were established last year, the strategies and initiatives that the district engaged in to meet the goals, and the subsequent progress made on those goals by the end of the school year. Districts will post their reports on the district website, and submit the summary report to MDE each year.

If you have questions or feedback about the World's Best Workforce Plan or Summary, please contact one of the following:

• Email Rebekkah Morrison or 218-879-0115 ext. 6304

Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) is a program that allows 10th-, 11th- and 12th-grade students to earn both high school and college credit while still in high school, through enrollment in and successful completion of college nonsectarian courses at eligible participating postsecondary institutions. Most PSEO courses are offered on the campus of the postsecondary institution; some courses are offered online. Each participating college or university sets its own admissions requirements for enrollment into the PSEO courses. Eleventh and 12th-grade students may take PSEO courses on a full- or part-time basis; 10th graders are eligible to enroll in PSEO on a more limited basis (see note below). Students must meet the PSEO residency and eligibility requirements and abide by participation limits specified in Minnesota Statutes, section 124D.09. If a school district determines a pupil is not on track to graduate, she/he may continue to participate in PSEO on a term by term basis. 

There is no charge to PSEO students for tuition, books or fees for items that are required to participate in a course; however, students may incur fees for equipment that becomes their property when the course or program is completed, textbooks that are not returned to the postsecondary institution according to their policies, or for tuition costs if they do not notify the district by May 30 and the district does not waive this date requirement. 

Each year, districts must publish their grade-weighting policy on their website, including a list of courses for which students can earn weighted grades.

By March 1 of each year, or three weeks prior to the date a student registers for courses for the following school year (whichever is earlier), schools must provide PSEO information to all students in grades 8-11 and their families. To assist the district in planning, a student must inform the district by May 30 of each year of their intent to enroll in postsecondary courses during the following school year. 

For current information about the PSEO program, visit the Minnesota Department of Education’s Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) webpage.