What Do We Use? The "GRADE" and "G-MADE"

The Group Reading Assessment and Diagnostic Evaluation (GRADE) and the Group Mathematics Assessment and Diagnostic Evaluation (G-MADE) are norm-referenced, standards-based assessments of reading and mathematics for our 5 year old kindergarten to 6th grade students. They were developed as diagnostic tools to see what skills children have and what skills they need to be taught. They are group-administered; however they are not timed tests.

Why use the GRADE and G_MADE?

• to analyze strengths and needs by classroom or individual
• to plan classroom instruction
• to develop Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
• to measure growth and monitor progress from grade to grade

What Do We Do With the Data?

At Russell Byers Charter School we agree that collaborative inquiry is a process of exploring, questioning, discovering, and searching for understanding. We also believe that inquiry shapes learning. This is true not only in the classroom, but also throughout the school. The RBCS community engages in a collaborative inquiry process for data analysis to understand student achievement, reflect on teacher practices, and make informed decisions about instruction. Data at RBCS will be used to systematically monitor the progress of our students, and to help them to take responsibility for learning by developing the necessary skills to become successful. It is through this approach to data analysis that we learn how to better educate children.