Illuminate
Illuminate DnA is an online assessment and reporting program. Within DnA, teachers can create, share, and give pre-created assessments. Students can fill out printed answer sheets or take the assessments online. Reports are automatically generated from these assessments. Additionally, historical assessment data (from state sources, from vendor sources, for example) will be available for further reporting. This helps our educators to better inform instruction. Teachers can engage in the data driven instruction cycle individually and collaboratively in grade-level and/or subject teams. Aligning formative assessments to common core state standards and creating common assessments are supported and easily administered with DnA.
Opting Out of Assessments
Families who wish to excuse their student from participation in one or more of the state assessments may do so by filling out the district’s opt-out application in Parent Portal from October to February. You may still opt out by scheduling an appointment with your principal or AP and request the Assessment Participation Exemption form to be printed off for you to sign (if your student has not begun taking tests). You may also write a letter and bring it with you to the meeting. If you have more than one child, you will need to fill out the form or write a letter for each child to opt out.
We encourage our students to participate in all assessments because they provide valuable information to families and educators that show whether students have mastered grade-level content and are on track to graduate prepared for the 21st century. Results from these assessments inform where Denver Public Schools can improve curriculum, instruction and leadership in order to ensure that every child receives an equitable education and is on a path to success.
Resources
General Assessment Resources
Assessment Purposes and District Policies
DPS Assessment Strategy
Assessment Window Calendar