| What do we know about
the MCAS that helps us interpret our students' results - and help
them do better? How can we combine students' MCAS results with results
from other standardized tests, as well as with class grades and
other work, to get more useful insights into their strengths and
needs - as well as into the strengths and gaps in our instructional
and curriculum practices?
Good questions, but a tough problem. Using data analysis to inform
instructional decisions is a daunting challenge to many people.
And knowing how to get the process started, or what tools are
available to help, is a daunting challenge to many school leaders.
Which is why Mass Networks is now offering a workshop called
From MCAS Analysis to Instructional
Improvement.
In this one-day, on-site program educators analyze the evolving
content and format of the MCAS in order to better understand the
test result data. We then train staff to use TestWiz - a software
tool developed by dataMetrics, Inc. and provided free-of-charge
to all districts by the Mass Department of Education -- to analyze
appropriate data. The workshops are customized for each district
and for the grade level and content area of the participants.
Teachers will leave this session with practical classroom strategies
that support success for all students.
Why is this important? In addition to the positive motivation
of helping our students learn, there is the negative imperative
of the new federal ESEA "No Child Left Behind" regulations.
The Massachusetts DoE's new District Performance Standards and
Indicators requires districts to identify curriculum gaps "through
MCAS and other standardized student performance assessments, subsequent
to each test administration." Furthermore, "teachers'
instructional practices must be adjusted to address the gaps identified".
In addition, "teachers must be familiar with the content
of the MCAS and use this knowledge to develop their own assessments
and to prepare lessons." Understanding the unique format
and content of the MCAS is essential for effective analysis and
preparation.
But the From MCAS Analysis to Instructional
Improvement workshop goes beyond MCAS because
diagnosing specific knowledge gaps requires comparing results
from the MCAS with other assessments. And it is only by looking
at student results from multiple perspectives that teachers can
figure out exactly why students are attracted to the most common
incorrect answer.
MNEP has partnered with dataMetrics, Inc. to provide professional
development on how to use their TestWiz tool as part of our Data
Informed Decision Making program. Participants will learn how
to create customized reports and find information to help guide
instructional decisions. The From MCAS
Analysis to Instructional Improvement workshop concludes
with practical, next-day strategies and activities. Teachers return
to their classrooms able to support the critical thinking and
test-taking skills necessary for student success.
For more information, or to schedule a workshop in your school,
please contact Megan Zmijewski at (617) 783-9988 ext. 126 or by
email: mzmijewski@massnetworks.org
|
