Riverview teachers use a variety of approaches to assess what students know and are able to do. Using multiple measures to assess students allows teachers to design instruction critically on behalf of each student and each class, and thus personalize learning.

Students Are Involved in the Process

Students attending Riverview have a hands-on role in the assessment process. It is important for children to learn how they learn in order to increase understanding. Teachers work with students to become aware of their individual learning styles and processes and to empower students to become self-directed learners. Fall and Spring Portfolio Night provide students and families an opportunity to celebrate growth. Students take the lead in showing their learning.

Student self-assessments and reflections allow students to set goals and track progress with teacher assistance. Students reflect on their learning experiences. Formative assessments in reading, writing and math provide teachers with actionable data that guides their instructional practice and tells them what students are ready to learn next.

Evidence Based Rubrics are developed by instructors, often with the help of students, to assess the performance of students. They list the dimensions or tasks of the performance to be assessed, and the specific criteria used to evaluate each dimension. They are different from simple checklists because they also describe gradations of quality for each dimension of the performance to be evaluated. By describing what each criterion looks like at various degrees of qualities, the instructor not only creates a framework for fair, objective grading, but also conveys expectations to the students.

Our Approach to Assessment

Riverview assesses students in K-8 using a standardized-based Report Card that is shared with families at the end of each of three trimesters. Progress is rated on a numbered rubric. Our Report Cards provide specific information about a child’s progress throughout the year. In addition, they put the emphasis on learning, rather than on comparisons among students; separate academic performance from work habits and personal characteristics; and give information to assist the teacher and parents in understanding the child as a learner. Reports are summative evaluations that reflect the child’s progress toward grade level standards and concepts. Students in grades 5-8 also receive a traditional letter graded Report Card accessible through Powerschool.

Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) is a nationally-normed computer based test that identifies a student’s level of academic achievement in math and ELA. Nationally-normed tests like MAP compare your child’s progress to learners in their grade level across the United States. Each school year, students in 2nd-8th grade take the MAP in the fall and spring. Results are shared with families at fall conferences and at the end of the school year.
MAP tests are adaptive tests and the computer program adjusts the difficulty of the questions so that each student takes a unique test. The difficulty of each question is based on how well the student answers the questions up to that point. As the student answers correctly, the questions become more difficult. If the student answers incorrectly, the questions become easier. With this information RCS is able to monitor the growth of students of all abilities and differentiate learning.

Our Riverview teachers utilize SC READY data, along with additional information from MAP, iREADY, and in-class assessments, to continually monitor mastery and provide our students with strategic classroom instruction, additional opportunities for higher level work, and individualized support as indicated. During our Fall parent conferences, each child’s teacher shares data from our Fall MAP and iReady testing, strategies and supports being utilized in the classroom, as well as ways in which families can support their child’s learning at home.

All public and charter schools in SC are required to administer SC READY for accountability purposes. While SC READY assesses mastery of grade level standards at the end of each academic year, MAP assesses student’s knowledge in reading and math, independent of grade level. SC READY tests are not adaptive. They measure students’ progress in mastering grade level standards for students in grades 3-8.

MAP is taken by 2nd-8th grade students in the fall to diagnose students’ proficiency in reading and math. Riverview teachers use the diagnostic MAP data as one tool to guide and differentiate instruction to meet students’ needs. MAP is administered again in the spring to measure growth.

In grades K-8, iReady provides each student with targeted, engaging lessons at their own level designed to address learning gaps and/or extend understanding across domains.

Riverview utilizes iReady, an online program for reading and math to monitor student progress throughout the school year, not just during the standardized testing window. Each fall, winter and spring, students in grades K-8 take the iReady Diagnostic to show what they know and are ready to learn. During the week at school, students progress through a personalized learning path on their iPads. They typically spend 45 minutes a week on iReady lessons that are targeted to their unique needs.

The KRA is given to kindergarten students in South Carolina each fall. This assessment evaluates early language and number skills as well as social, physical and emotional wellness. The KRA is aligned with first and second grade standards for English language arts and mathematics.

Students who need support in meeting grade level expectations in reading and math may receive supplementary instruction with our Response to Intervention (RtI) Team. RTI is a three-tier system of support used in schools to identify students who are struggling academically or behaviorally and provide them with targeted interventions.

When a student needs additional help, teachers and parents meet to take a look at assessment data and consider any factors that might be impacting a child’s progress. Our approach to addressing the needs of the whole child informs our process. Attendance, social/emotional needs, home factors, and learning differences can all impact student growth. For more information about RtI, families can speak to their child’s teacher and/or our Special Services Coordinator.

Riverview supports the needs of artistically and academically gifted and talented (GT) students in our classrooms. Gifted and talented students have unique strengths and learning needs. Our teachers know that a responsive curriculum best supports their pace, style, and depth of learning. Our classrooms are places that nurture curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking that these students need. Academically talented students receive instruction aligned with South Carolina standards while offering opportunities for both enrichment and acceleration.

Students who are identified as GT learners are supported by a teacher who holds an endorsement in GT instruction. Our teachers utilize project and problem-based instruction, small group instruction, accelerated coursework and other best practices to meet the needs of GT students.

Riverview partners with our sponsor, the Beaufort County District, to identify artistically gifted and talented students. To learn more about the screening process visit their website or speak to our Integrated Studies teachers.

To qualify as academically gifted and talented, students in South Carolina must meet at least 2 of 3 Dimensions below:

Dimension A: CogAT

  • The CogAT (Cognitive Abilities Test) is a standardized assessment that measures verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal reasoning skills. It helps identify strengths, support differentiated instruction, and determine eligibility for gifted programs. All students at Riverview take the CogAT test in grade 2.
  • A score at or above the 93rd percentile (verbal, nonverbal, quantitative, or composite) meets this requirement.
  • Automatic qualifier: A composite score at or above the 96th percentile qualifies a student without needing other assessments.

Dimension B: Achievement Test (MAP, or SCReady)

  • MAP Test: 94th percentile or higher
  • SCReady Test: 90th percentile or higher

Dimension C: Performance Task Assessment (PTA)

Students are eligible to take this test if they qualify in Dimension A or B

  • The PTA is a hands-on assessment that uses manipulatives (e.g., tangrams, letter tiles) rather than digital tools. A scripted teaching session precedes the independent tasks, during which students may ask clarifying questions. Responses are written in a test booklet and hand-scored, which results in a longer turnaround time for results.
  • Required scores: Verbal ≥ 16, Nonverbal ≥ 22

At Riverview, we use multiple factors to thoughtfully place students in accelerated coursework that best supports their strengths and learning needs. Our advanced and high school credit courses in Cycle 3 offer motivated students the opportunity to engage in deeper, more challenging learning experiences.

Students in these courses should be ready to take on a rigorous workload, demonstrate commitment, and maintain consistent attendance. Daily homework—including occasional weekend and summer assignments—is typical, and students are encouraged to stay organized and proactive in their learning. With the right mindset and support, these courses can be both challenging and highly rewarding.

Our classroom teachers and/or Director of Academics can provide more information about accelerated coursework at Riverview.