Utah schools adopt new assessments shifting focus to Questar and ACT prep programs

The Washington County School District is set to implement significant changes to its assessment system, as discussed during the Open Session on June 19, 2025. The district will transition from the current SAGE testing to a new assessment framework that includes the RISE and Utah Aspire Plus tests, aimed at enhancing student evaluation and preparation.

Starting this academic year, RISE testing will be limited to grades 3 through 8, while grades 9 and 10 will take the Utah Aspire Plus, a tool designed to prepare students for the ACT. This shift marks a departure from previous practices, where all grades from 3 to 10 participated in the same assessment. Notably, the writing component of RISE will now only be assessed in fifth and eighth grades, streamlining the testing process and alleviating concerns about younger students' keyboarding skills.

The district is committed to ensuring that the new assessments align with Utah core standards, maintaining continuity with past testing data for longitudinal analysis. To support teachers in adapting to these changes, the district plans to conduct training sessions that will introduce interim and benchmark assessments, allowing educators to monitor student progress throughout the year.

In addition to the assessment updates, the meeting highlighted ongoing professional development initiatives. Over 60 teachers are collaborating to develop common formative assessment items, enhancing resources available for classroom instruction. The district is also focusing on digital learning, with two digital learning coaches dedicated to working directly in classrooms to model effective teaching practices using technology.

The meeting also featured a presentation from Coral Cliffs Elementary School, where educators shared their successful implementation of lesson studies to improve teaching practices. This approach has fostered meaningful professional learning and collaboration among teachers, leading to improved student outcomes.

As the Washington County School District moves forward with these changes, the emphasis remains on enhancing educational quality and ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed. The district's proactive approach to assessment and professional development is expected to yield positive results in student learning and engagement in the coming years.