NWEA regional workshop attracts 75 educators from 15 school districts

--- Published on November 13th 2015 ---
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What’s in a test score?

Plenty, it turns out, if it’s the comprehensive student assessment that doesn’t roll easily off the tongue – Northwest Evaluation Association’s Measures of Academic Progress – but brought about 75 educators from 15 school districts to Natomas Unified for a four-hour regional workshop today (Nov. 13).

Teachers, principals, data directors and other school officials from as far away as Chico and Stockton discussed ways of using NWEA results to identify learning gaps, set growth targets, guide instruction, reinforce or supplement teaching strategies, evaluate programs, identify professional development needs, push student progress, predict achievement, inform parents, and chart growth in schools, districts, and individual students.

Unlike multiple-choice tests of the past, NWEA tests are taken via computer and pinpoint whether a student’s performance is similar to grade-level peers or more like students in lower or higher grates in reading, language and math. The key goal in tracking and analyzing NWEA data is to ensure academic progress over time, according to Assistant Superintendent Joel Rabin, who spearheaded today’s event.

The NWEA Regional Workshop gave educators a chance to share success stories in using NWEA data, ask questions of colleagues, and brainstorm possibilities. There were no wrong answers, just an intensive exchange of ideas.

“It’s great to be able to hear what other districts are doing,” said Nicole Newman, an Arbuckle educator.

“I’m finding it very helpful to hear the story and the vision and the journey of the different districts,” said Laura Regan, a Rocklin charter school principal. “And just seeing the different ideas — how they’re getting teacher buy-in, and parent buy-in, and student buy-in, and just building the excitement (in celebrating growth) so it becomes a part of the school culture.”

Michelle Albanese, technology coordinator for the Nevada City School District, said that officials there are considering whether to use NWEA or another vendor for student assessments. “We’re looking for a package, so this is a great opportunity to hear about the success of this program,” she said.

Among the dozens of attendees at today’s NWEA conference were about 15 NUSD educators.

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