I realize this isn't necessarily an instructional issue, but it's something we reading teachers have to deal with in connection with APPR, so I was hoping to get the group's advice. I teach struggling readers in grades 7-12. The new APPR regulations require that we measure student growth and achievement in order to evaluate teacher performance, and last year was the first time we had to establish Student Learning Objectives (SLOs), and identify a pre- and post-assessment tool and an assessment to use for an achievement score. Last year I used Gray Silent Reading Test as a pre- and post test, which is a standardized test which can measure incremental progress in reading comprehension. This year my district is pushing for me to use the NY State ELA scores, where available, or a proprietary ELA-type assessment through Right Reason Technology . My problem with that is that neither test can truly capture the progress my students make, when they start out with reading levels as much as 3-6 grade levels below placement. They may make up two or more years' progress in one year of instruction, but they are likely to still score a 1 (on a 1-4 scale) on a grade-level ELA test. So my questions are, for those of you who are also dealing with this:
- What assessments are you using for growth measures? - What assessments are you using for an achievement score? - Any overall advice on SLOs? I would appreciate any advice or guidance you could provide. *Carol McLoughlin* *Reading Specialist Gr 7-12* _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list Mosaic@literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive
