Documenting and Using Results

Documentation and analysis are integral parts of the education philosophy at Lewiston Consolidated School. In order to prepare our students for the rigors and challenges of life we must continually look at our methods of education. This allows us to educate young minds with confidence in the knowledge that our methods are both effective and supported by data. Along with continuous teacher evaluation, we utilize several different assessments to analyze our teaching strategies. Some assessments include multiple subject analysis, such as the MAP test (Measuring Academic Progress) and the state-mandated NSCAS test. Our school participates in NSCAS testing once every year and MAP testing 2-3 times per year (based on administrative decision). The information gained from these assessments is documented by our curriculum coordinator and stored for future use. We discuss and analyze this information at our in-service meetings over the course of the school year in order to adjust curriculum. Select Lewiston Consolidated School professionals also participate in a data retreat each summer to discuss the many data points we collect throughout the year in order to discuss findings and potential modifications to help us help our students reach their goals.

In addition to assessing our own educational methods, this information is readily available to our students and their parents/guardians. We believe this shows a commitment not only to excellence but also to growth and progress for each individual student and the school as a whole.

Since, reading is a main priority at Lewiston Consolidated School we utilize assessments that are reading specific. One such test is DIBELS (Dynamic Indicator of Basic Early Literacy Skills). DIBELS is a comprehensive, in-depth assessment that covers the basic skills required to read quickly and effectively. We utilize DIBELS three times per year. Another test is the STAR Reading Test. This assessment allows us to monitor a student’s use and understanding of vocabulary in reading comprehension. This also allows us to monitor a student’s reading level in order to set them up for success in our reading curriculum. One final, subject specific tool is Moby Max. This site allows teachers to create an interactive and individualized education plan for students. The site includes worksheets as well as online assessments and check-for-understanding tools.

As stated earlier, all information is readily available and in several instances posted in different locations throughout the school. The faculty of Lewiston Consolidated School takes pride in its work and demonstrates this through this system of continuous evaluation and improvement. The faculty understands and lives by the principle of “Life-Long Learning” and aims to prove this fact by continuing to assess our students’ progress and, thus, our own.

NSCAS

Lewiston Consolidated School students from Grades 3-12 participate in the mandatory NSCAS Assessment once a year (generally in the month of April). Grades 3-12 students are assessed on their language arts and mathematic skills each year and Grades 5, 8, and 11 are assessed on their scientific skills. Results from these assessments are discussed amongst teachers during in-service meetings and at our annual Data Retreat to celebrate success, discuss improvements, organize classroom strategies and philosophies, and to prepare students for future success. Results are privately delivered to parents and are discussed at parent-teacher conferences when possible.

ACT

Lewiston Consolidated School students in Grade 11 take the ACT assessment once a year as part of the college entry process. These results are privately discussed between the participating students and our curriculum administrator.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1er936KLrB5zCgSwK7K65GPw1Cfc8Tlxh/view?usp=sharing

NWEA/MAP

NWEA/MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) Tests are computerized tests given to Lewiston students 2-3 times per year in grades 2 through 12. This is our district wide assessment to follow our students progress.

In the high school, students get with the same groups (6-10 students between the grades of 7-12) and also discuss their MAP progress. They each are given a MAP student progress report (see below for sample), and discuss their goals. The elementary teachers also talk to each student individually about their scores and progress. These student progress reports are sent home to parents as well, and the counselor is available at parent-teacher conferences to answer any questions regarding these scores.

Each classroom teacher has access to any student's score on the NWEA/MAP website. Many teachers print the NWEA class breakdown reports (see NWEA class Breakdown by RIT and NWEA class breakdown files below) to help aid them in the topics they need to revisit or focus on in the classroom.

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DIBELS

The elementary students in grades pre-kindergarten through 6th grade do DIBELS testing three times per year. This assessment is used by the Title teacher to help see what students are in need of reading interventions. She uses the DIBELS class report below to help identify these students. In addition, each student is sent a parent report home so that the parent know the students progress during the year (see DIBELS parent report below).

Throughout the hallway, many things are done to help show the progression of classes throughout the school year. Each student uses their school ID, and is able to "move" their car after each DIBELS test during the school year. Their car represents their composite score, so after they are tested, one by one they can move their car to see the progress they have made throughout the year. (see DIBELS cars and DIBELS cars 2 below) In addition, parents and teachers are invited to be able to see how each class is doing as a whole.

Teachers, parents, and students can also see their individual grades by each type of test graphed on the wall. (see DIBELS by class and DIBELS class below). Again, they are only identified by their ID, which is confidential and only the student and parent knows.

Teachers can also view the individual student scores in the conference room (see DIBELS individual). These student cards contain the scores throughout the year, so if they know a students ID, they are able to see growth throughout the year.

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STAR/Renaissance Learning

Renaissance Learning is a computer-based assessment technology, with products targeted for grades preK–12. Renaissance Learning tools have a research base with the highest review of standards set by reputable organizations such as the National Center on Intensive Intervention and the National Center on Response to Intervention.

The computer-based STAR assessment system is a multipurpose tool. STAR is used for screening and progress monitoring, and also includes resources that target instruction for all kinds of learners. Students who are at risk can be identified quickly.

STAR Early Literacy (PreK-3rd) is designed to repeatedly assess a child’s status at different stages throughout this important growth period. Although STAR Early Literacy is designed for students in grades Pre-K through 3rd, it can be used with older students, such as struggling readers, nonreaders, special education students, or English language learners.

STAR Reading is used at Lewiston in grades Kindergarten through 12th grade to help assess students reading fluency. Teachers receive a copy of their class report (see STAR reading below) to show the grade equivalent reading level of each student. It also supplies a reading level 'range' beneficial to each student when checking out library books.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FA2XpbMgPFxb6AbBoBeu6dE8v0yQwoMv/view?usp=sharing

GOLD

Lewiston Consolidated school utilizes the GOLD assessment for its preschool programs. Teaching Strategies GOLD is an authentic, ongoing assessment of children in early childhood programs. Teachers gather documentation on various objectives, and the information aids teachers in gathering data to determine the appropriate checkpoint levels. The data is used to create reports that help individualize instruction.

The preschool program at Lewiston uploads documentation and submits checkpoints three times a year. The information collected is used to track student progress, share information with families, and provide data to better plan activities and instruction.

IXL

Lewiston educators have the option to utilize IXL to increase student learning and assess student knowledge. IXL is a comprehensive online assessment tool that delivers content and asks questions to determine student understanding. Questions either become harder or easier based on student success or lack thereof. Select teachers at Lewiston Consolidated School make use of this tool for reading, math, and science instruction.

https://www.ixl.com/analytics/#student=81825722

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1W8gutYGNO6zodxebfvVyoBkdQHSteVnr/view?usp=sharing

IntoMath

Lewiston Consolidated School uses the IntoMath mathematic curriculum to instruct and assess students. This curriculum can be administered online, off-line, or in a combination of both. Reports are generated when using online assignments and are sent privately and discreetly to the educator so they can be used to assess understanding and make changes if necessary.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xE4FGYW_VOCdqFCSSTFRlbb6Otdr8N7G/view?usp=sharing

Aquestt

The State Board of Education and the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) have created a system for classifying schools and designating schools for support. The system is called AQuESTT, which stands for Accountability for a Quality Education System, Today and Tomorrow. AQuESTT classifies schools as Excellent, Great, Good and Needs Improvement. Lewiston Consolidated School was assessed based on this system in 2019. Results can be found in the link.

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