Can state tests improve instruction?

Can state tests improve instruction?

Did you know that more than 260,000 students will participate in their state annual summative test in English language arts (ELA) or mathematics as early as next month? Read more in Many Models, One Problem: How State Through-Year Assessments Can Support Instruction, our new report on how some states are solving the problem of making state assessments meaningful to students and educators. 

States are turning to innovative through-year assessments that aim to enhance the summative tests’ instructional utility. Currently, many state K12 summative assessment systems across the U.S. are not designed to provide timely feedback that can influence instruction for current students. Through-year assessment models not only meet federal and state accountability requirements, but also provide timely, actionable feedback that can be used to adjust instruction in real-time. Instead of a single test at the end of the year, these assessments are administered multiple times throughout the school year. 

At Education First, we have been at the forefront of supporting states in developing these innovative assessment models. Over the last four years, we have collaborated with 15 states to design, implement or learn about through-year assessments in ELA, mathematics, science and social studies. We also helped six states win more than $20 million in Competitive Grants for State Assessment to develop their through-year assessment models.  

But not all through-year assessment models are created equal. We believe that state education leaders need to make through-year assessment design choices that prioritize instructional usefulness and will help educators to improve student learning in real time. In our new report, we share insights from leading states and recommendations to other states that are considering or implementing through-year assessments.

Read our latest report on through-year assessments!

The transition to through-year assessments represents a significant shift in how states approach student testing. While challenges remain, the potential benefits for instructional improvement and student learning are substantial. We remain committed to supporting states on this journey, ensuring that assessments not only meet accountability standards but also serve as powerful tools for enhancing education.


In solidarity,

Jenn Vranek

Founding Partner, Education First

Curtis Szmania

Founder & CEO @ CytoCync | Delivering Subscription Health Software Services for Affordable Healthcare

3mo

Education First Consulting As someone who has worked with numerous HealthTech startups, I've seen firsthand the impact that innovative assessments can have on the educational landscape. In my experience, the key to making state assessments meaningful lies not only in the technology itself, but in the ability to provide actionable insights that educators can use to inform instruction. I'd love to hear from others - what strategies have you seen work in making state assessments more instructional? #EdTech #InnovativeAssessments #HealthTech

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