The data is not in!!

When I first began teaching, we administered common assessments periodically and used that data to drive future instruction. When the change of leadership twice in 4 years, things are drastically change. The "benchmark" testing we previously prepared our students for was issued by the district. Yes, there were many issues with the testing but they still worked in finding deficits for us to pay attention to. The district has taken them off the table and now provides us with a fall, winter, and spring assessment (MAP Test). Teachers use the MAP for data but it only gives three measures throughout the year. Principals I have spoken to throughout this program have told me that their school creates their own common assessments and use the data to drive instruction and improvements.

I have created my own weekly assessment I use to plan from week to week.  I create questions similar to those on the standard assessments. I often sees students make great gains and some who struggle to keep up. The struggling students have more small group instruction with me while others are working collaboratively to complete assignments. This is how, I'm assuming, all teachers in my school conduct lessons and instruction. As a school, we cannot come together to discuss individual classroom data when all the data comes from different assessments. I have shared my weekly assessment with other teachers but they change it to make it their own.

I understand we all have different teaching styles and ideas on how to assess the students, but all this talk about data is crazy when their is no common assessment. I can't let this topic go. I just met with my principal the other day and this topic was brought up. You guessed it! She gave some generic comment and changed the subject!

I will be relentless in my pursuit!