Throughout the year, students are tested to ensure that they are growing with their classmates and mastering state standards. To clarify how district formative assessments (DFAs) are being used to evaluate student learning, please review the information below.
What is a District Formative Assessment (DFA)?
The DFA is simply another way of saying “unit test.” Unlike traditional classroom assessments, DFAs are written at the same rigor as the state assessments, providing a clear measure of how well students have mastered the standards. The DFA is aligned to the district pacing guides, which are based on South Carolina’s College and Career-Ready (SC CCR) Standards. These pacing guides ensure that all students in Berkeley County School District (BCSD) are taught the same standards and skills, no matter which school they attend, and that all standards are covered throughout the year, so your child is well-prepared for the next grade level.
While pacing expectations are consistent districtwide, schools have the flexibility to schedule the DFA within the designated testing window in a way that works best for their school and classrooms.
Why do we give DFAs?
These assessments provide teachers with valuable data on student understanding, allowing them to identify areas of strength and opportunities for growth. This insight enables teachers to tailor instruction to better support individual student needs and guide the entire class toward mastery of the standards.
DFAs are just one of many tools teachers use to check student learning. Because they are tied directly to what has been taught, DFAs provide immediate feedback that helps teachers know what students are ready for and where they may need more support.
What if my child is absent for the DFA?
Teachers have access to all DFAs prior to administration, so they can provide your child with a copy once the missed instruction has been completed and the student returns to school.
How do I see my child’s grade on the DFA?
After the DFA is administered, teachers can send home a copy of the assessment along with your child’s answers for you to review together.
What if my child doesn’t do well?
The good news is that teachers follow school procedures to give students the chance to retake or correct mistakes on the DFA. If students need additional support or time, they can review the material, receive extra help, and have their grade updated to reflect their improved mastery of the standards.
How are DFAs different from benchmark assessments?
It is important to know that DFAs are not the same as the “district-selected benchmark assessments” referenced in Proviso 1.118 (2025–26). In BCSD, those required assessments are:
iReady for grades K–5
DRC Beacon for grades 6–8
These benchmark assessments are state approved, nationally normed tools that help us monitor student progress throughout the year. They are not part of students’ final grades and are used only for monitoring and planning.
If you have more questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school principal or our district office. Berkeley County School District is here to partner with you in supporting your child’s learning.