Middle School English Language Arts Instructional Guide

District-Wide Standards-Based Assessments & RISE Benchmark Testing [Middle School]

Student Writing Trends

RISE Benchmark Responsibilities RISE Benchmarks are used as district-wide formative assessments within units of study rather than as end-of-unit measures. PLCs should review benchmark data prior to District Collaboration Days and come prepared to discuss site-based and district-wide trends, areas of strength, instructional responses, and questions that emerge from the data. Why Have a District-Wide, Standards-Based Assessment? Common Formative Assessments help measure student understanding consistently across classrooms and grade levels. Shared assessments support meaningful teacher collaboration and data-driven instruction tailored to student needs. What Is a District-Wide, Standards-Based Assessment (DWSBA)? DWSBAs assess student progress on targeted standards and provide actionable feedback. In Canyons, grades 6–8 will use the RISE platform for ELA writing DWSBAs, unless otherwise noted. Data can be accessed via the RISE reporting tool and is aligned with the Utah RISE Writing Rubrics. Using the RISE Platform Administration instructions are in the Test Administration Manual (TAM). For detailed guidance, refer to the “ELA DWSBA How-To.” Administering the Writing DWSBA Plan for 60–90 minutes, adjusting as needed. Scaffolding and modeling should occur during instruction, not the assessment. For guided practice, use an alternative RISE Benchmark. Provide IEP and ML accommodations as required by law and best practice.

Select the linked image below to explore this brief guide to using MagicSchool AI’s Student Writing Trends tool to enhance your writing

common formative assessments (CFAs).

Questions to Guide PLC Data Analysis: 1. ​ What do we want students to know or be able to do? 2. ​ How will we know if students have mastered the standards of focus? 3. ​ How will we respond for students who have not yet learned? 4. ​ How will we respond for students who have already demonstrated mastery, or are ready to do more? 5. ​ How can students use this data to assess their own understanding and set learning goals?

Grades 6-8 Testing Windows for RISE Benchmark

Fall 2026

Winter, 2027

RISE Benchmark: Argument I

RISE Benchmark: Informative I

Testing Reason: Fall Oct. 27th - Nov. 13th

Testing Reason: Winter Jan. 4th - 29th

PLCs to administer and review before February 5th District Collaboration

PLC to administer and review before November 20th District Collaboration

Last Updated June 2nd, 2026 Secondary ELA, Page 39