The Holmes School has fared poorly in past years on the state’s standardized test. However, this assessment is based on a single measure which is most closely correlated with parental income and race. What is going on inside the school is exciting. While most schools experiencing these results might double down on test prep in English language arts and math, the Holmes has chosen a different, radical route.
Accurately measuring the various dimensions of school quality can help education systems improve student and teacher experiences and help stakeholders better understand the elements of school performance. Surveys show that MCIEA's School Quality Measures are making in strides in gauging student and school success in authentic ways.
In most of the United States, 21st century skills are not new. However, implementation – bringing the plan to the classroom and the students – has been a challenge. That's where calibration comes in.Teachers engage in a structured conversation, coming to agreement about what evidence of proficiency can be found in student work.
"Reducing schools to a single number obscures both what they are best at and what they need to improve upon."
Carisa shares a key moment in her high school career when she learned what it truly meant to be "smart" and how testing is failing our students.
Kim and Michael share how schools across Rhode Island are preparing to make the switch to personalized learning and proficiency-based models through the Pathways by Design Project.
Both teachers and students will benefit when we make the shift to authentic professional development. Micro-credentials offer an opportunity to recognize and celebrate what teachers are learning, and encourages them to transfer their learning to their students.
