The Consultant shall: 2.1 Assist school districts in gaining a conceptual understanding of a Balanced Assessment System for grades K-12. 2.1.1 In a Balanced Assessment System, students participate in a broad range of assessments at different levels of the educational system (state, district, school, and classroom). The set of assessments must work together to provide a useful and coherent profile of information about student achievement (e.g., learning strengths/needs, student performance and growth) to provide information that improves decision making and positively impacts teaching and learning. 2.2 Assist school districts to complete a review and revision of their assessment systems at all grade levels. 2.2.1 For example, K-2 early literacy and numeracy assessments, or interim/benchmark assessments that are aligned to South Dakota content standards as part of a teachers’ scope and sequence in grades 3-12. 2.2.2 Assist school districts with assessment and data-based decision making, which is an integral part of the South Dakota Literacy Framework – Exhibit D
