We use a variety of assessment tools, both formative and summative, to document student growth and progress throughout the school year. These can take the form of tests, quizzes, projects, writing assignments, classwork assignments, group projects, running records, fluency readings, observations, oral assessments, and other kinds of assignments as needed. Not all work sent home will be graded - we feel when students are learning a new skill or concept that grading during the initial learning stages isn't helpful and can hinder the learning process by inhibiting students' willingness to take risks as they learn. Major tests will be announced in advance and parents will be given ample advanced notice of any project work that will have at-home components.