Academic gains are the ultimate door opener – they are the foundation of a truly transformational teacher. Students make dramatic (measurable) levels of rigorous academic growth. Families know the level of rigor necessary for college and career readiness in the 21st century.
Through my emphasis on project-based learning, my students grow in both quantitative and qualitative measures across short and long time spans. As displayed throughout my portfolio, my students are given many opportunities to participate in engaging projects and activities. And my students are often given the opportunity to choose what they want to study or learn. These instructional decisions are high-impact and targeted for academic gains--which opens the door to scholarships, internships, and other opportunities.
Using quantifiable data shows how students exceeded, met, approached, or need more support in mastering standards (measurable growth). My students participate in PARCC each year in the spring. Since I loop with my students, I am able to use the data to make instructional decisions the following school year. The score reports are individualized, which helps me craft a learning plan that fits the unique needs of my students.
Additionally, I use qualitative data more frequently to guide my instructional decisions. At the beginning of each unit, I have my students write a diagnostic writing piece. After students write this diagnostic writing piece, I craft lessons to support my students' specific needs. I use a rigorous rubric that forces me to not only see where my students are but also where they need to go. These assessments are always related to what we are learning in the unit, and allow students an opportunity to express themselves.
Below are two examples of the academic gains that my students have made in my class that made them college and career ready for the 21st century. These academic gains are a door opener for students.
In conclusion, dramatic academic growth can take place over the span of a school year or even in just a couple of months. As evident in both my quantitative and qualitative data, students are growing and displaying mastery. When students are growing, engagement is obvious. As an educator, it is my job to find high-impact activities that can be used to catapult and measure growth. Doing this makes me a transformational teacher.