USING SKILLS IOWA DATA TO GUIDE INSTRUCTION STEPHANIE N. MOHORNE MAY 15, 2015

HISTORY OF LINCOLN ELEMENTARY 2010 Lincoln designated PLA school As part of the 2.2 million dollar grant additional support was able to be funded Math coach Instructional coach Literacy coach was already in place Achievement was the lowest in the district

LINCOLN ELEMENTARY YEAR 1 Met 2x per week in data teams Focus was on completing the “form” Took the monthly Skills Iowa reading benchmark tests, but did not use the data for anything At the end of the year, when ITBS scores came back, Lincoln had the lowest percent proficient in the entire district When we reflected, we realized that we had a strong indicator all year of how our students would perform through the Skills Iowa reading benchmark tests

YEAR 2 One major change was that we began giving the Skills Iowa test via pencil and paper instead of on the computer. All teachers began setting individual goals with students as well as class goals. Students were taught test taking strategies (QAR) throughout the year and those were practiced during Skills Iowa tests. This year our Skills Iowa scores moved up in comparison to other Waterloo Schools Increased 2.9% in reading and 13.88% in math – this was the year of the new Iowa Assessment so the trend was down for most schools

YEAR 3 Teachers began focusing on using the data from the Skills Iowa reports – especially the Item Response Report and changing instruction based on overall, small group, and individual needs. Teachers began using fluid small group instruction, based on Skills Iowa data and focusing on skill/concept deficits instead of reading level Teachers created at least weekly formative assessments for students using the Skills Iowa questions After each Skills Iowa test, students were required to reflect on the questions they missed.

EXAMPLE OF THE REFLECTION FORM Number _____ The answer I put was: _______ I thought this was the answer because________________________________ I now know the answer if _____ because ______________________________

YEAR 3 CONT…. Reading proficiency on Iowa Assessments increased by 11.75%. Math proficiency on Iowa Assessments increased by 11.95%.

YEAR 4 This year we spend refining and continuing to reflect on the work. Skills Iowa continued to be a major part of our instructional practice. Many other schools reached out to us for help on how to effectively use Skills Iowa to monitor and inform instruction. Reading proficiency on the Iowa Assessments increased 7.3% Math proficiency on the Iowa Assessments increased 7.31% Over a total of 4 years: Reading proficiency increased 21.95%! Math proficiency increased 33.14%!