The Lake Mills District believes in a Balanced Assessment Approach. Through formative, benchmark and summative assessments, teachers are able to make instructional decisions to meet the goals in student teaching. 

Formative Assessment helps teachers design learning for each individual student and provides feedback to teachers on where students are in the learning process. Formative Assessment happens frequently throughout the learning process and typically is not factored into the student's report card grade. 

Benchmark Assessment helps teachers and administrators compare learning to National, State and school standards to determine learning needs within the curriculum. This also helps teachers develop learning plans for individual students. 

Summative Assessment provides feedback to teachers and students regarding what each students has learned at the end of a unit. This type of assessment typically provides teachers the information needed to fill out report cards for parents. 

The State of Wisconsin also has statewide assessment. Students in grades 4k through 2nd grade participate in Reading Readiness Assessment using PALS up to three times per year. All students in 3-8 grades are to participate in the Forward Exam, which assesses ELA and mathematics. 

Students in grades 4, 8, and 10 must also take social studies assessments. Additionally, state law requires 9th and 10th grade participation in the ACT Aspire. Students in 11th grade participate  in the ACT including Writing, Science, and ACT WorkKeys. Beginning in the 2016-2017 school year, all students must pass a Civics Assessment prior to graduation. 

Lake Mills Area School District Student Assessment Schedule