Comprehensive Assessment System (CAS)

A comprehensive assessment system is a coordinated plan for monitoring the academic achievement of students from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12.

Goal of the System

The goal of the comprehensive assessment system is to:

• increase student learning by producing actionable data,
• evaluate the effectiveness of programs, and
• ensure that all students are making progress toward achieving learning goals.

The RI Criteria and Guidance for a Comprehensive Assessment System document can be viewed and downloaded below. The tools are intended for use in partnership with this document and as part of a collaborative process guided by the district or LEA.  Please note that the 'Criteria and Guidance' PDF and Appendices C-G contain the Sources section from the Full Document for referencing footnotes.

Full Document – Full document, including PDF versions of tools and the appendices.

Document Sections:

• Criteria and Guidance 
  • Background and Rationale; 
  • Purposes of Assessment; 
  • Types of Assessment; 
  • Developing and Selecting Assessments; 
  • Interpreting and Communicating Data; 
  • Suggested Next Steps
• Example of Tool from Guidance Document 
• Appendix A: Assessment Matrix/Map Tool (Excel file will download)
• Appendix B:  Considerations for Interim and Summative Assessments – Tool for considering whether or not an assessment is appropriate for district needs and capabilities.
• Appendix C:  Best Practices in Reading and Writing Assessment
• Appendix D:  Best Practices in Mathematics Assessment 
• Appendix E:  Best Practices in Science Assessment 
• Appendix F:  Best Practices in Social Studies Assessment 
• Appendix G:  Best Practices in Early Childhood Assessment 
• Self-Assessment Tool for Awareness, Planning, Support, and Practices