Vermont is committed to ensuring that all students are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions they need to succeed in college, careers, and civic life. To support this goal, the state has developed a balanced and coherent assessment system that includes both local and statewide components. These systems work together to provide meaningful information that supports teaching and learning at all levels.
Local Comprehensive Assessment System
The Local Comprehensive Assessment System (LCAS) is designed and implemented by Vermont school districts and supervisory unions to monitor student progress, guide instruction, and inform local decision-making. LCAS includes a variety of assessment types—formative, interim, and summative—that are aligned with state standards and locally developed learning expectations. These assessments are used throughout the year to:
- Provide timely feedback to students and teachers
- Support differentiated instruction
- Monitor progress toward proficiency-based graduation requirements
- Inform school and district-level curriculum planning
LCAS is a cornerstone of Vermont’s commitment to personalized, proficiency-based learning, ensuring that every student has access to relevant and engaging educational experiences.
Vermont Comprehensive Assessment System
The Vermont Comprehensive Assessment System (VTCAS) includes the annual statewide assessments that measure student performance relative to the Vermont State Board of Education's adopted standards, including the Common Core State Standards in English language arts and mathematics, the Next Generation Science Standards, and English Language Development Standards. These assessments are used to:
- Monitor statewide educational progress
- Meet federal accountability requirements
- Identify strengths and areas for growth at the school, district, and state levels
- Ensure equity and access for all learners
Statewide assessments are carefully designed to be valid, reliable, and accessible to all students, including those with disabilities and English learners. Results help educators, families, and policymakers make informed decisions that support improved outcomes for every student in Vermont.
Vermont schools and students also participate in the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), also known as the Nation’s Report Card. NAEP is the only nationally representative and continuing assessment of what U.S. students know and can do in various subject areas. NAEP does not provide scores for individual students, schools or districts; instead, it offers state level results over time and for various student groups in reading and mathematics.