Key points:
Ensuring that student achievement is on track is critical, particularly as post-pandemic academic progress remains slower for some student groups. When districts implement the right assessments, educators are better able to help measure student progress.
That’s why district leaders must have the right tools to evaluate which assessments will be best suited to support students on their academic journey. A new white paper outlines six essential questions to ask when making decisions about assessment tools.
1. Why do we evaluate our students? Assessments determine what students know and what they can do. Your district's assessments should support the priorities that district leadership teams have outlined.
2. How easy is it for teachers to understand the data? After all, teachers need to be able to interpret the data available in order to act accordingly. A high-quality assessment will also provide next steps once teachers are able to understand the data.
3. Does the data support overall decision-making by district leaders? Teachers need to be able to understand and act on data, but district leaders want to recognize long-term trends and get a big-picture view of student performance.
4. How can we get the right data to inform decisions? Multiple assessment types and formats can ensure the right types of data at the right time.
5. Are assessments aligned with our investments in technology and curriculum? Close alignment means educators can have confidence in their measurement of student skills and progress.
6. Are assessments supported by relevant and timely professional learning? A high-quality assessment system ensures support for teachers and leaders.
For more details on these questions, see this key resource on assessments.
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