The Ferguson-Florissant School District utilizes a variety of instruments to measure student success including standardized tests, portfolio assessments and traditional classroom activities and assessments. All of these instruments have the sole purpose of helping teachers and students. Testing results help schools analyze and address strengths and weaknesses in curriculum and instruction and help students identify the skills and knowledge needed to improve performance.

The District has been instrumental in the development of the portfolio approach to student assessment. Our curriculum coordinators have worked with teachers to develop effective applications of the portfolio concept and have developed portfolio workshops for teachers within the District and throughout the state.

With regard to standardized testing, District staff members have developed a systematic, comprehensive approach that includes teacher training, student training, test analysis and adjustments to curriculum and instruction to address identified weaknesses. Effective use of standardized tests helps the District continually improve its instructional program and student performance. Testing results in combination with student portfolios provide an assessment of students' reasoning and thinking abilities, their specific knowledge of key skills, and examples that demonstrate a practical application of their knowledge, reasoning and skills.