Expand annual assessments to boost student achievement

Key points:

The Montana Office of Public Instruction is focusing on using assessments throughout the school year to provide teachers with the data they need, as early as possible, to positively impact student achievement through personalized learning.

Montana OPI will offer Discovery Education’s DreamBox solutions to all 53 school districts participating in the second year of the state program. Alternative Tests for Montana Students (MAST) Pilot program. MAST is an initiative designed to improve learning achievement by implementing “year-long assessments,” a formative assessment approach that provides teachers with actionable data that can inform instruction throughout the academic school year compared to depend on data from end-of-year evaluations. With more valuable information throughout the year, teachers can quickly identify target areas for student growth and acceleration.

The partnership will provide DreamBox Math and DreamBox Reading Plus to nearly 30,000 students (grades 3-8) across the state. DreamBox, which was recently acquired by Discovery educationis the only digital solutions provider rated “Strong” by Johns Hopkins’ EvidenceforESSA.org in both math and reading.

DreamBox solutions will expand to all educators and students in the 2024-2025 school year.

“This partnership emphasizes innovative solutions that accelerate student success,” said Montana State Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “Discovery Education’s DreamBox focuses on student-based teaching and learning, which reflects our MAST program. “I am confident that teachers, students and families will benefit from these programs that increase academic achievement.”

DreamBox Math and DreamBox Reading Plus are designed to adapt problems and questions based on how each student learns. DreamBox personalizes the learning experience for students, and district administrators and educators will have access to tools and resources that will save them time and increase productivity while supporting student success, including recommendations for specific activities and lessons. Parents and caregivers can also view their students’ learning growth through a family dashboard.

“This (association) honors that time a teacher spends teaching. And honor the student for learning. Immediate feedback in our model accentuates that personalized learning. I believe Montana is leading the nation in outcomes-based education,” Arntzen said.

“Discovery Education believes that every student deserves a high-quality, personalized learning experience, so we are thrilled to expand our collaboration with Montana OPI to support even more Montana students and educators,” said Dr. Tim Hudson, director of Discovery Education learning. . “Both Montana OPI and Discovery Education share a commitment to supporting teachers with effective resources and tools that align with educational standards and enhance intervention and remediation throughout the school year.”

“We are inspired by Montana OPI’s leadership and commitment to innovation in learning,” said Dr. Jason Sinquefield, senior vice president of educational partnerships at Discovery Education. “Our team looks forward to working together with district leaders, educators, parents and caregivers, and community members across Montana to accelerate learning for all students and improve student skill development.”

Laura Ascione is the editorial director of eSchool Media. She graduated from the prestigious Philip Merrill School of Journalism at the University of Maryland.

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