What is the DesCartes?
The DesCartes is a list of educational concepts for each RIT range within a particular subject and goal strand.
For each ten-point range, the DesCartes lists concepts that should be reviewed (enhanced), taught now (developed), and taught in the near future (introduced). It also lists new vocabulary that will be present within each RIT range.
The image below shows the Goal Strand of Informational Text within the RIT range of 181-190.
Click here to learn how to interpret the DesCartes.
DesCartes
Click image to view larger.
Click here to watch a video tutorial
Image retrieved on November 8, 2009 from NWEA Reports web site: https://reports.nwea.org/IR/DesCartes.aspx.
Instructional Data for Primary Grades
Click image to view larger.
Click here to watch a video tutorial
Image retrieved January 23, 2010 from NWEA Reports web site: https://reports.nwea.org/PgidHome.aspx.
How Should I Use It?
The DesCartes is best utilized when targeting individual or small group instruction.
Using the DesCartes as a guide, you can better reach students at their level and enable them reach their personal goals.
Retrieving the DesCartes for Grades 2-8
1. Visit the NWEA Reports site and log in.
2. Under Data-Tools, click DesCartes.
3. Select the subject in the left column.
4. Select the goal area in the middle column.
5. Select the RIT range in the right column. (If you want all ranges, select combined).
6. A new browser window will open with Adobe Reader and the requested page will display.
7. If you want to save the report, click the 
. If you want to print, click the 
. Both of these icons are located in the top left corner of the report.
Retrieving Instructional Data for Primary Grades
1. Visit the NWEA Reports site and log in.
2. Under Data-Tools, click Primary Grades Instructional Data.
3. Select the page format (3 column or 1 column).
4. Select the subject.
5. Select the goal.
6. Select either a 10 or 5 point RIT range.
7. Select the RIT range by sliding the bar.
8. Click Generate PDF to generate your report.
9. If you want to save the report, click the . If you want to print, click the . Both of these icons are located in the top left corner of the report.