Spring is in the air, and it is a very exciting time at Triton Schools. We are pleased to report that our students continue to do a great job! A lot of the attention during this time of the school year goes into planning and executing successful testing experiences (MCAs, ACCESS, ACTs, ASVAB, Pre-ACTS). Although accountability measures for public schools continue to change, the mandate of using state standardized testing remains. We will continue to view these tests as opportunities for students to demonstrate what they know and how hard they have worked. Regardless of the situation, we want students to be prepared to do their best.
Results from high stakes testing and, in our case, the Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCAs) are the most well-known and public measure of student achievement. We will never deny these results are important and will continue to use these results as an indicator of school success. Educational best practices call for engagement, differentiation, innovation, and creativity. Although we all want to see great achievement gains, it is also important to remember that the practices that lead to improved achievement will continue to be what we focus on.
Standardized testing and traditional school evaluation focus on a one-size-fits-all approach. We know that there is more to each student than a test score. That is why we also measure student career and college readiness through Redefining Ready. Redefining Ready has additional research-based indicators that determine if students are college, career, and life-ready. Some of these indicators are (GPA, AP courses, Algebra II passing rates, concurrent college credits, industry credentials, attendance, community service hours, and participation in extra/co-curriculars).
We have seen improvements in numerous standardized test areas. Although improvements are nice, we want to prioritize instructional practices that lead to long-term success. Our district aims, goals, and Profile of a Graduate set the foundation for helping students develop the skills needed to be successful lifelong learners. We want to continue to help students develop the academic skills needed for success and the human being skills required to apply this knowledge appropriately.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article and for your continued support.
