Improve Principals’ Assessment Savvy

Challenge: Thirteen principals brought vastly different skills and ideas to the interpretation of their students’ test results. Although the district had the benefit of rich data from NWEA’s interim assessments, they were required by state policy to refer to lower quality SBAC results when planning. Evidence often did not line up. Accountability policies emphasized different measures than instructional wisdom required.

Solution: They engaged the K12 Measures PD team at School Wise Press to deliver three workshops centered on the interpretation of test results. Elementary principals met in one group, and secondary in another.

What we did: The team, which included a psychometrician, delivered curriculum centered on measures of progress, imprecision, and visual analytic methods. Comparing each school’s standing relative to other schools with students very much like their own was our emphasis. We built custom measurement tools, and taught principals how to use them during the engagement.

What they did: Met three times, participated in discussions, read assigned readings, teamed up for analytic exercises.

Outcome: Here’s what the district leader, Glen Webb (Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment) had to say: “SWP has been particularly helpful in developing the data analysis skills of our district and site leaders…. As a result, our allocation of resources and programs has become more strategic and aligned, rather than based on trial and error…. SWP has been a true partner … by working hand-in-hand with us to develop meaningful local metrics and data visualizations to assist in communicating with our stakeholders.” Click here to read the letter in full.

Time required: 12 hours (3 half-day workshops)

Client: Morgan Hill USD