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How to be an “A” School: Measure growth, identify gaps

by Jan Barrick, Alpha Plus CEO


Welcome to 2022! We hope you are well and in the classroom with your students. From meeting with educators in schools all around the state, we know you are doing the best you can. That’s why you are our heroes!

Considering the challenges of the fall semester, the results you have achieved are impressive. The preliminary average score on the midyear benchmark exceeds our goal of a 50% average in Grades 3-8 reading and math. Though preliminary, the data is consistent with previous years.

Jan 27 tableThe graph on the right shows data from 22,663 summative assessments taken by 89% of students enrolled in Alpha Plus Online as of January 2021.

Since a majority of schools using these benchmarks are not new to the process, the high baseline averages show how educators have built capacity for improvement using Alpha Plus tools. PLUS, 9% is solid growth, which is the name of the game! The Alpha Plus goal for A2 is a 70% average score. Yes, you can do it.

Evaluate growth, identify learning gaps and set goals for spring based on the data. 

CLASSROOM TAB: Scores by class are in the Master Report, Item Response Report, Classroom List, and Standards at Risk reports.

  • The Classroom List shows student performance by OAS objective and highlights objectives taught before the benchmark was administered.
  • The Standards at Risk report offers a drop-down list of students not proficient by OAS Objective to help coordinate small group remediation and tutoring on priority objectives.

MANAGEMENT TAB:

  • Click the Summative Test Log button and a spreadsheet of student scores will be emailed to you. Columns are included where teachers can input students’ last state-test scores, if desired, for comparison purposes and goal setting.
  • Administrators can download a school’s Summative Objective Analysis (SOA) that color codes at-risk OAS objectives by grade level and content area. The SOA identifies priority OAS objectives from any benchmark.

All students and all standards are important, but some need more help from your team than others over the next seven weeks. From the data, determine both the students and the OAS objectives that must be prioritized this semester. Then, adjust your Pacing Calendar to ensure priority OAS objectives are taught and remediated before Spring Break, if possible.

Schools have different (and now more difficult) academic calendars but it is more important than ever to protect as much instruction time as possible. We still recommend planning the next benchmarks (A2) in Grades 3-8 for early or late March. This allows time to analyze the data to coordinate remediation before the state test window opens April 20.

First and second grade teachers usually give the A2 benchmark closer to the end of the school year to provide the best performance and growth data on early learners. 

Comprehensive Assessments now available in digital version

In the back of each Success with OAS Teacher Guide for math and ELA is a Comprehensive Assessment. These are now in fillable PDFs in case you need them for remote use. They can be downloaded from Alpha Plus Resources using district login credentials.

Also, some textbook and assessment PDFs were corrected over the winter break based on reports from teachers. If you use these versions of Alpha Plus Online assessments, you may want to re-download to make certain you have the best version.

Call (405) 842-8408 if you have questions or need help

 

Let us know how we can help you more!
– CEO Jan Barrick and the Alpha Plus Team

 

Copyright © 2022 Alpha Plus Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
ALPHA PLUS EDUCATIONAL SYSTEMS
3315 N.W. 63rd St., Oklahoma City, OK 73116 

Call (405) 842-8408 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with any questions!