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William Lipscomb Elementary
Assessment & Student Progress
At Lipscomb, assessment helps us understand each student’s growth, celebrate strengths, and provide the right support at the right time.
How We Monitor Student Progress
Student growth is measured in many ways throughout the year.
Teachers use classwork, student discussions, projects, observations, district assessments, and state assessments to understand what students know and what they are ready to learn next.
Assessment is not just about a score. It helps teachers identify strengths, provide support when students need it, offer additional challenge when students are ready, and partner with families around each child’s growth.
Assessment Information for Families
Different assessments help teachers understand student growth, plan instruction, and provide the right support at the right time.
STAAR
What is STAAR?
STAAR is Texas’s state assessment program. It measures how well students have learned the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills, also known as TEKS.
Who takes STAAR?
At Lipscomb, students in grades 3–5 take STAAR assessments in the subjects required for their grade level. Grade 5 students also take Science STAAR.
When and how is STAAR given?
STAAR testing is generally administered in the spring. Assessments are completed online at school with trained staff members present. Students use a Dallas ISD device and have opportunities to become familiar with the testing platform before testing day.
How are results used?
STAAR is one source of information about student learning. Teachers review results alongside classroom work, teacher observations, i-Ready data, district assessments, and other evidence of growth.
How can families view results?
Families can use PowerSchool Parent Portal to access the Texas State Assessment Portal and view available STAAR results. A desktop or laptop is required to view scores through PowerSchool.
Families who cannot access scores through PowerSchool may also visit TexasAssessment.gov and enter the student’s Social Security Number or State ID.
i-Ready Reading & Mathematics
What is i-Ready?
i-Ready is an online adaptive diagnostic used in reading and mathematics. It adjusts based on a student’s responses to help teachers understand strengths and areas for growth.
When do students take it?
Students complete the i-Ready Reading and Mathematics Diagnostic three times each year: Beginning of Year (BOY), Middle of Year (MOY), and End of Year (EOY). Results help teachers monitor growth over time and plan small groups, intervention, enrichment, and next steps for instruction.
How are results used?
i-Ready is one source of information about student learning. It does not replace classroom learning or teacher judgment. Teachers use it alongside classwork, observations, and other assessments to understand what students are ready to learn next.
How can families support at home?
Families can review results with teachers and use the i-Ready Family Support Center for explanations of reports, videos, and tips for supporting learning at home.
TELPAS
What is TELPAS?
TELPAS stands for the Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System. It is an annual assessment for students identified as Emergent Bilingual students.
What does TELPAS measure?
TELPAS measures a student’s progress in learning academic English across four areas:
- Listening
- Speaking
- Reading
- Writing
How are results used?
TELPAS results help teachers understand how students are growing in English while continuing to learn grade-level academic content. Results are reviewed alongside classroom performance, language development, and other assessment information.
What should families know?
TELPAS is not a test of intelligence or effort. It measures English language development over time and helps schools plan the right language supports for students.
Circle Progress Monitoring
What is Circle?
Circle Progress Monitoring is used in Pre-K to help teachers understand children’s early development and learning needs.
What does it look at?
Circle gives teachers information about early skills such as:
- Early literacy and language
- Vocabulary and communication
- Early math concepts
- Social-emotional development
- School readiness skills
How are results used?
Circle is not a high-stakes test. It is a progress-monitoring tool that helps teachers plan developmentally appropriate instruction, identify students who may need additional support, and communicate with families about growth.
What should families know?
Young children learn in many ways. Circle results are only one part of the picture and are considered alongside classroom observation, student work, play, conversation, and teacher knowledge of each child.
Access Student Assessment Results
Families can use PowerSchool Parent Portal to access the Texas State Assessment Portal and view available STAAR results. A desktop or laptop is required to view scores through PowerSchool. For questions about classroom performance, i-Ready growth, or next steps, contact your child’s teacher.