MPSD's end of the semester benchmark assessments delayed until second semester

With students in the Meridian Public-School District learning virtually for the remainder of the first semester, their benchmark assessments have been impacted.

The Meridian Public-School District halted students on campus learning due to COVID-19 concerns. With all students in the district learning virtually, since November 18.

Janet Fortner, the Meridian Public-School District’s Director of Assessment, told Twin States News that the students 2nd benchmark assessments have been delayed, and they won’t be expected to take them until they return to campus.

“These last 2 weeks of the semester, we would normally have our second benchmark assessments, but since students are learning virtually, and at home at this time, to have valid and reliable results, we’re going to wait until the second semester, in order to administer those benchmarks in the hopes that students will eventually return to the building,” said Janet Fortner.

She shared that although their benchmark assessments have been put on hold, students are still being tested.

“They’re still doing their formative assessments. The teachers still creating their classroom assessments and pushing them out for students to still take those classroom assessments, to check for whether or not the students are mastering those standards or not,” said Fortner.

Stating in addition, that she believes delaying their 2nd benchmark assessments, could be beneficial for students.

“It will probable help students, because they will have more time to cover more content, -- you know, having that extra timeframe. So, it will definitely benefit students,” said Fortner.

As of now, students in the Meridian Public-School District are expected to make up their second nine-weeks benchmark assessments between January 19 - January 29.