Student Growth

NWEA: Student Growth

As we look ahead to this week's Late Start, we will be having conversations about this year's SLO goals, which will be based on NWEA MAP data.  Why the switch?  After many conversations, we have identified the MAP data as more closely aligned to the FORWARD performance, therefore allowing us to use it as a predictor of future success on the state assessments.  

Here's the Houlton data from last year:

• 64% proficient or advanced (61st %ile) on NWEA MAP
• 65% proficient or advanced on FORWARD
• 91% at grade level on F&P

l

As a result of this data analysis and related conversations, SMART goals and SLOs will be based on MAP data.  Our SMART Goal will continue to reflect achievement, and our SLOs will continue to be based on student growth.  We will be looking at spring to spring growth targets, and will focus on the importance of growth for all students throughout the year.  Lori has helped me gather histoical MAP data for each teacher, which will be available this week to help build a better understanding of our students.

We know that up to 70% of students nationally are not achieving "proficiency" on today's summative tests.  It is imperative that teachers know the starting point and can follow the progress of each student.  Then they can engage the students in charting an instructional path that moves toward success.  Along the way, the student still may not be rated as proficient on summative assessments, but this does not mean that he or she is not growing academically.  

The Case for Growth: Why Measure Student Learning, NWEA

We will continue to dig into our MAP data this week - just wanted to plant the seed!

Sue