Dramatic academic gains are the result of rigorous, developmentally appropriate teaching and explicit instructional methods. Students, particularly at the age of 4 and 5, achieve developmental milestones in a matter of months, and those milestones push them closer to college and career readiness. These gains can be measured both quantitatively and qualitatively, and doing so, provides a comprehensive assessment of student progress over time.

 

Quantitative data builds a clearly defined profile of student achievement on a selected evaluation over the course of a school year. My students are assessed using the FastBRIDGE (FAST) Onset-Sound probe during three checkpoints in the year. Analyzing not only their results but also their behaviors while being administered the assessment helps me determine learners’ efficacy with foundational skills, and make instructional adjustments that target students’ needs. Additionally, I share the data with families and stakeholders in order to connect and collaborate around how to further push students towards reading readiness.

 

Given my students’ exceptionalities and unique learning needs, qualitative analysis provides me with critical information about their language acquisition, social emotional growth, and progress towards foundation standards. My students engage in fine motor exercises and written responses following the end of each learning unit. By assessing their work products against a developmentally appropriate rubric, I am able to gauge student mastery and develop specific, individualized next steps and meaningful feedback for each student.

 

In the links below, I demonstrate my use of a combination of quantitative and qualitative data to measure student growth. I also reflect on the ways in which I adjust my teaching practices and reflect upon the gains and needs of my students.