Explanation of Terms.databkxls - Jefferson County Public Schools

1999-2000
COMMONWEALTH ACCOUNTABILITY TESTING SYSTEM
(CATS)
CATS is the system used to test/assess the progress being made by Kentucky schools. The program is made up of four parts:
1) Kentucky Core Content Test (KCCT) which includes Open Response and multiple choice questions;
2) Writing portfolio and writing on-demand prompts at grades 4, 7, and 12;
3) Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills (CTBS5), a nationally standardized test at grades 3, 6 and 9; and
4) The Noncognitive index:
• attendance and retention at the elementary level,
• attendance, retention, and dropout rates at the middle school level, and
• attendance, retention, dropout rates, and successful transition to adult life at the high school level.
Performance Levels – Four levels of achievement, defined by the Kentucky Board of Education, are used in reporting student results within the KCCT and
writing portfolios. The Proficient level is the long-term goal for all students. The levels are described as follows:
Novice
Apprentice
Proficient
• Student may recall some relevant information but shows minimal understanding of core concepts.
• Student communication is unclear and ineffective.
• Student demonstrates knowledge of many core concepts and skills but cannot consistently apply knowledge.
• Student communicates directly and reasonable effectively but sometimes response lacks substance or detail.
• Student demonstrates understanding of major concepts even though she-he overlooks or misunderstands some less obvious ideas or details.
• Student can apply core concepts and skills to solve problems
• Student makes connections among major concepts.
• Student communicates ideas effectively.
Distinguished • Student demonstrates in-depth understanding of concepts and/or processes described in Kentucky’s academic expectations.
• Student can solve challenging problems using innovative and efficient strategies.
• Student makes connections among the ideas beyond the obvious.
• Student communicates complex ideas effectively.
• Student makes insightful interpretations or extensions (generalizations, applications, and analogies).
CATS – Page 1