2009-2010 Self-Study WASC Action Plan - Julian Charter School

D2. a) To what extent do teachers employ a variety of
assessment strategies to evaluate student learning?
b) To what extent do students and teachers use these
findings to modify the teaching/learning process for the
enhancement of the educational progress of every
student?
SUMMARY
• A great strength of the JCS teaching staff is the ability to use
a wide variety of assessment strategies to evaluate student
learning. Our academy teachers are actively involved in
reading and discussing Stiggin’s Classroom Assessment for
Student Learning, which explains that assessment can
create, not simply measure, increased achievement.
• Parent-teachers, especially parents of K-8 students, value
and collect data about student achievement in a less consistent
manner. Formal assessments of student learning may
be viewed as separate from instruction and something that
is done to “help” the school or for grades, rather than an
integral part of the teaching and learning process.
• The teaching staff, parents, and students use the findings of
a variety of assessment strategies to modify the teaching
and learning process.
Findings
Evidence
ASSESSMENT S TRATEGIES TO EVALUATE STUDENT WORK
• JCS begins the year ensuring that students are placed
appropriately in their courses.
• Teachers, parents and students look at student
assessment information from the previous year,
student placement tests (in math) and pre-tests of
student knowledge such as MAP and Baby STAR.
• Teachers, parents and students provide input on
student strengths and growth areas, areas of
interest, and plans for the future.
• Staff, parents and student look at transcripts,
report cards, or other student profile data.
• Throughout the year, some data are used on a daily
basis, some monthly or quarterly, and some annually
to evaluate student learning.
• Master agreements
• Student courses of study
• Four-year plans
• Transcripts
• Data pyramid
Chapter 4: Self-Study Findings: Assessment and Accountability
80 Julian Charter School Focus on Learning 2009-2010