Morgan Frye, M.Ed.

Master of Science in Education


Dramatic Academic Growth





Students make dramatic levels of academic growth that are measurable and rigorous. Families know the level of rigor necessary for college and career readiness in the 21st century.



Introduction



Students at Bridges Public Charter School strive to make Dramatic Academic Growth in all areas of instruction. This growth is closely monitored by the classroom team, and to ensure that every student is able to make these growth gains, teachers engage students and their families in the growth tracking process throughout the year.


There are two types of Dramatic Academic Growth that are monitored: quantitative and qualitative growth. Both types of growth are important for students to understand how much they have learned throughout the school year. Both types of growth are measurable and trackable by teachers, students, and families. Students engage with teachers throughout the year for data talks to ensure that students know their growth and what they need to do to continue that growth. Families are encouraged to attend meetings throughout the year so that they are also aware of their student's growth and achievement.



Dramatic Academic Growth in Room 302 at Bridges Public Charter School



Click on the growth measurement to learn more



Quantitative Growth: NWEA MAP




The first way that students explore their growth is quantitative growth. Quantitative growth is measured when students take the NWEA MAP test. The NWEA MAP test is taken at the beginning of every year for Beginning of Year data (BOY), in the middle of the year (MOY data), and at the end of the year alongside the PARCC test (for EOY data). While this year has developed unprecedented circumstances, students have been able to track their BOY and MOY data. Click here to learn more about the District of Columbia's NWEA MAP progress monitoring data tools that are shared with teachers, students, and their families and quantitative Dramatic Academic Growth.


Qualitative Growth: Writing




Another way that students monitor their growth is through qualitative assessments. These assessments usually track students using rubrics. Students at Bridges track their qualitative growth using a writing assessment and a rubric. Students have a writing assessment once a month (starting in January), where they answer a written task and their work is graded using a rubric. Teachers, students, and families use this information as a way to ensure that student growth is happening and use the rubric to see what areas students need additional instruction in. While students will not been able to complete all of their writing tasks, students have completed four months worth of tasks (September, January, February, and March) for growth to be assessed. Click here to learn more about qualitative Dramatic Academic Growth.


Conclusion



Teacher and students use different assessments, both quantitative and qualitative to ensure that students are exhibiting Dramatic Academic Growth that can be shared with students and their families. With the unprecedented school closures following the spread of COVID-19 and the cancellation of state testing nationwide, End of Year (EOY) and quarterly data may not be feasible to gather for this school year. Click on the button below to move forward to quantitative growth.


Forward to Quantitative Growth