One of the primary concerns parents have in their child's learning is that students are making meaningful and expected progress. Interim benchmark assessments, such as Track My Progress, are valuable tools in this pursuit, offering insights into a student's academic growth. As educators, one of our critical tasks is to share these insights with parents, ensuring they're informed, engaged, and empowered in their child's learning journey.
Begin with a holistic perspective.
When presenting interim benchmark results, providing a comprehensive view of the student's learning is essential. Avoid relying on this one assessment. Incorporate other sources of learning data like class assignments, participation, projects, a writing sample, quiz scores, test scores, and any other relevant observations. This holistic approach paints a fuller picture of the student's progress, achievements, and areas for growth.
Emphasize instructional guidance
It's vital for parents to understand that these benchmark assessments are not just data points but guidance tools. Emphasize that these results guide your instruction. For instance, if a student performs "below expected" in a reading comprehension section, you might adapt your teaching strategies to include more targeted reading exercises for that student. Sharing specific examples helps parents see the direct link between assessment results and classroom instruction. It may inspire parents to provide more support at home in areas they know you are addressing.
Clarify the scale scores.
When discussing the results, ensure that parents understand the significance of the scale scores. These are numerical values that correspond to the student's performance. While the number is informative, what's more crucial is the context and how you and your colleagues understand these scores and their meaning, which can vary from school to school.
Well below expected (red): This indicates that the student is behind in the assessed area and may need more support.
Below expected (yellow): The student is somewhat behind and might benefit from targeted interventions.
Expected (blue): The student is on track with learning in that area.
Above expected (green): The student excels in the assessed domain.
Utilize the graph for visual representation.
Including a graph in your discussion can be a powerful tool. Based on the fall assessment, the graph can visually represent where the student currently stands in their learning. It can be beneficial for parents who prefer visual data and provide a clearer picture of the student's relative strengths and areas of need.
Discuss the table to show the scale score progress over time.
The table you include in your discussion (starting with the Winter test window when you will have two data points) will show the student's scale score progress over multiple test windows of the year. This progression can help parents understand if their child is improving, remaining consistent, or if there are areas where they might be struggling. It's a snapshot of the student's growth trajectory.
Avoid the common pitfalls of educational data interpretation
As educators, while we understand the value of data in shaping our teaching methods and strategies, we must also be wary of the pitfalls associated with interpreting this data. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Overvaluing standardized results: While standardized assessments provide a broad overview of a student's abilities, they should not be the sole determinant of a parent's impression of their child's learning. Class participation, a writing sample, homework, tests, and quizzes offer nuanced insights into students' understanding, strengths, and areas that need attention. It's crucial to consider these various metrics collectively to understand a student's progress and needs comprehensively.
Relying heavily on one-time data points: Data from a single point in the school year can be misleading. Like adults, students have better and more challenging days, which can influence their performance on a given assessment. It's essential to consider the broader picture. Student scores may naturally fluctuate throughout the year based on many factors, including personal and academic challenges. Instead of one data point, focus on the overall trend throughout the year.
Giving too much significance to national benchmarks: While national averages provide a benchmark, they shouldn't overshadow the individual student's journey and growth. Every student's learning curve is unique. Instead of primarily focusing on how a student measures up to national standards, concentrate on what the scores (in conjunction with other data sources) suggest as the best next steps for that particular student, both in school and at home.
Overall: Incorporate a balanced approach
Remember, data is a guide, not an absolute marker of a student's capabilities. By avoiding these common pitfalls, educators can use data effectively to tailor instruction, support individual student needs, and engage parents in meaningful dialogues about their child's education. Data is powerful when used judiciously and in conjunction with a teacher's observational and experiential knowledge. Sharing interim benchmark assessment results with parents is more than just delivering scores. It provides context, clarity, and a roadmap for future instruction. When done carefully, it moves both educators and parents into alignment with their goals and strategies for student success.