Student participation in District assessments is a critical tool for informing students, families and citizens about the progress of students in our public schools and for improving educational outcomes for all District students.  Participation in District-wide assessments is required by DC regulations (5-A 23 DMCR § 2301).  Students and families use assessment results to ensure that students are progressing toward their own educational goals, and teachers use assessment results to improve instruction and better support all students.

OSSE is committed to ensuring that the District's assessments provide accurate and useful information to support these goals. For assessment results to be as accurate and useful as possible, it is important that students are assessed regularly in the content areas and grade levels required by District and federal law and that all students participate.  Through full participation, we can ensure that assessment results provide a clear and accurate picture of student performance across the District.

Below please find business rules for calculating 2015-16 participation rates and full academic year (FAY) status. If you have any questions about these business rules, please contact Nikki Stewart, acting director of assessment at [email protected].

Related Content: 2015-16 School Year PARCC Resources