Congratulations to Stigler Elementary School for Oklahoma Academic Standards (OAS) Growth in 2020-21!

Stigler ES

Data from spring benchmark assessments of the Oklahoma Academic Standards (OAS) in reading and math found students in schools using OAS-aligned curriculum and assessments performing better than expected this year despite the pandemic. 

At Stigler Public Schools in Haskell County, benchmark math scores for students in Grades 3-4 were well above state averages in the fall AND the spring with OAS growth an impressive 22 percentage points.

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“Based on midyear and spring data for the schools we serve, student learning loss caused by the pandemic thankfully has not been as great as many predicted,” Alpha Plus CEO Jan Barrick explained. “We congratulate educators, students and parents on this achievement and send our gratitude for their hard work in and out of school this year.”

Analysis of benchmark scores included 52 schools statewide in which at least 75 percent of students in Grades 3-8 completed OAS-aligned, interim reading and math assessments by April 9. The spring average from 9,587 students statewide was 14 percentage points higher than the fall baseline average for reading and math combined.

Also notable is that statewide benchmark scores are consistent with prior years. This is likely because of vertical alignment inherent in the state standards and because many of these schools have been using OAS-aligned curriculum for a number of years. Unknown factors include the number of days each school has had in-person learning, virtual instruction and/or hybrid distance-learning schedules over the last year.

Teachers trained to address summer learning loss and close academic gaps every year prioritize essential skills required in state standards. They use data by OAS objective to differentiate instruction and coordinate intervention before state tests each April.

Alpha Plus assessments have been aligned to OAS and administered online for five years helping teachers identify gaps between what a student knows and what the state expects them learn in any school year. Alpha Plus Success with OAS curriculum for mathematics (K-8) and English Language Arts (Grades 3-8) has been written and published over the last five years.

ABOUT ALPHA PLUS
In 2020-21, more than 13,300 students are using Alpha Plus Online interim assessments statewide. Founded in 1990 by an Oklahoma teacher, Alpha Plus curriculum and teaching tools are aligned solely to Oklahoma Academic Standards. The Oklahoma City firm’s Success with OAS mathematics and reading series is written by Oklahoma teachers for Oklahoma students. For more about Alpha Plus, please visit www.alphaplus.org.