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Assessment

We prepare our students to be critical thinkers, collaborative problem solvers, and creative individuals who seek to better their world through service to others. When a student graduates from RCS, they are prepared to succeed, thrive, and lead in our dynamic 21st century world.

Philosophy of Assessment

Assessment is an ongoing process of evaluating, measuring, and documenting student learning of state and national standards. While commonly equated with tests, teachers use a variety of tools and methods to determine understanding and content mastery in all subjects taught. Assessments provide information that can be used to direct instruction and improve learning programs. In Rochester Catholic Schools, meaningful effective assessments are used to support and improve student learning in several different ways.

K-8 Assessment

Our students in grades K-8 take the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) test three times a year, once in the fall, winter, and spring. This formative test focuses on individual student growth. Teachers spend time in the fall of each year analyzing the data to truly understand how to differentiate instruction to meet individual student needs.

9-12 Assessment

Lourdes High School students take the NWEA, Pre-ACT, PSAT, ACT, and often times, the SAT.
  • All freshmen will take the NWEA MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) Assessment.
  • Sophomores may take the Pre-ACT or PSAT.
  • Juniors take the PSAT National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test which determines National Merit Scholarship Semi-Finalists. The PSAT assesses students’ skills in reading, math, and writing.
  • The ACT is the assessment juniors and seniors take for college admission. It consists of English, math, reading, and science reasoning.
  • The SAT is another college admission test which is taken by approximately 30% of Lourdes students who are applying to schools outside of the Midwest.