Statewide Curriculum




Performance (Achievement) Standards

Student performance on the NECAP assessment is classified into four achievement levels. Each describes a student's level of proficiency on the content and skills required.

Rhode Island’s reading, writing and mathematics achievement standards are based on each content area’s GLEs (or GSEs).  Student NECAP scores are reported in one of four achievement levels for each content area tested.  Each achievement level is described in general, and then described for each content area.  Following are the labels for the achievement levels:

Proficient with Distinction

Proficient

Partially Proficient

Substantially Below Proficient

Rhode Island’s goal is to have all students achieving at the Proficient or Proficient with Distinction levels on the NECAP assessments. 

NECAP Achievement Level Descriptions

General Achievement Level Rubric
Reading Achievement Level Rubric
Mathematics Achievement Level Rubric
Writing Achievement Level Rubric

General Achievement Level Descriptions

Proficient with Distinction
(Level 4)

Students performing at this level demonstrate the prerequisite knowledge and skills needed to participate and excel in instructional activities aligned with the GLEs at the current grade level. Errors made by these students are few and minor and do not reflect gaps in prerequisite knowledge and skills.

Proficient
(Level 3)

Students performing at this level demonstrate minor gaps in the prerequisite knowledge and skills needed to participate and perform successfully in instructional activities aligned with the GLEs at the current grade level. It is likely that any gaps in prerequisite knowledge and skills demonstrated by these students can be addressed during the course of typical classroom instruction.

Partially Proficient
(Level 2)

Students performing at this level demonstrate gaps in prerequisite knowledge and skills needed to participate and perform successfully in instructional activities aligned with the GLEs at the current grade level. Additional instructional support may be necessary for these students to meet grade level expectations.

Substantially Below Proficient
(Level 1)

Students performing at this level demonstrate extensive and significant gaps in prerequisite knowledge and skills needed to participate and perform successfully in instructional activities aligned with the GLEs at the current grade level. Additional instructional support is necessary for these students to meet grade level expectations.

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Reading Achievement Level Descriptions

Proficient with Distinction

Student's performance demonstrates an ability to read and comprehend grade-appropriate text. Student is able to analyze and interpret literary and informational text. Student offers insightful observations/assertions that are well supported by references to the text. Student uses range of vocabulary strategies and breadth of vocabulary knowledge to read and comprehend a wide variety of texts.

Proficient

Student's performance demonstrates an ability to read and comprehend grade-appropriate text. Student is able to analyze and interpret literary and informational text. Student makes and supports relevant assertions by referencing text. Student uses vocabulary strategies and breadth of vocabulary knowledge to read and comprehend text.

Partially Proficient

Student's performance demonstrates an inconsistent ability to read and comprehend grade-appropriate text. Student attempts to analyze and interpret literary and informational text. Student may make and/or support assertions by referencing text. Student's vocabulary knowledge and use of strategies may be limited and may impact the ability to read and comprehend text.

Substantially Below Proficient

Student's performance demonstrates minimal ability to derive/construct meaning from grade-appropriate text. Student may be able to recognize story elements and text features. Student's limited vocabulary knowledge and use of strategies impacts the ability to read and comprehend text.

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Mathematics Achievement Level Descriptions

Proficient with Distinction

Student's problem solving demonstrates logical reasoning with strong explanations that include both words and proper mathematical notation. Student's work exhibits a high level of accuracy, effective use of a variety of strategies, and an understanding of mathematical concepts within and across grade level expectations. Student demonstrates the ability to move from concrete to abstract representations.

Proficient

Student's problem solving demonstrates logical reasoning with appropriate explanations that include both words and proper mathematical notation. Student uses a variety of strategies that are often systematic. Computational errors do not interfere with communicating understanding. Student demonstrates conceptual understanding of most aspects of the grade level expectations.

Partially Proficient

Student's problem solving demonstrates logical reasoning and conceptual understanding in some, but not all, aspects of the grade level expectations. Many problems are started correctly, but computational errors may get in the way of completing some aspects of the problem. Student uses some effective strategies. Student's work demonstrates that he or she is generally stronger with concrete than abstract situations.

Substantially Below Proficient

Student's problem solving is often incomplete, lacks logical reasoning and accuracy, and shows little conceptual understanding in most aspects of the grade level expectations. Student is able to start some problems but computational errors and lack of conceptual understanding interfere with solving problems successfully.

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Writing Achievement Level Descriptions

Proficient with Distinction

Student's writing demonstrates an ability to respond to prompt/task with clarity and insight. Focus is well developed and maintained throughout response. Response demonstrates use of strong organizational structures. A variety of elaboration strategies is evident. Sentence structures and language choices are varied and used effectively. Response demonstrates control of conventions; minor errors may occur.

Proficient

Student's writing demonstrates an ability to respond to prompt/task. Focus is clear and maintained throughout the response. Response is organized with a beginning, middle and end with appropriate transitions. Details are sufficiently elaborated to support focus. Sentence structures and language use are varied. Response demonstrates control of conventions; errors may occur but do not interfere with meaning.

Partially Proficient

Student's writing demonstrates an attempt to respond to prompt/task. Focus may be present but not maintained. Organizational structure is inconsistent with limited use of transitions. Details may be listed and lack elaboration. Sentence structures and language use are unsophisticated and may be repetitive. Response demonstrates inconsistent control of conventions.

Substantially Below Proficient

Student's writing demonstrates a minimal response to prompt/task. Focus is unclear or lacking. Little or no organizational structure is evident. Details are minimal and/or random. Sentence structures and language use are minimal or absent. Frequent errors in conventions may interfere with meaning.

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Released items

NECAP Released items -http://www.ride.ri.gov/assessment/necap_releaseditems.aspx

Visit this site to download the October 2005 and October 2006 released test items and support materials from the NECAP assessments in reading, mathematics, and writing.

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