Test data now provides evidence that schools incorporating Acuity InFormative Assessment as a component of their assessment and intervention system show meaningful increases in achievement on the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP). The latest data, from the 2009-2010 school year, show that districts using Acuity are commonly reporting improvements in MAP scores of 5 -10% over the year, with some schools showing even greater progress.
The Aurora School District, which serves more than 2,000 rural K-12 students, has improved MAP scores since implementing Acuity in 2008. For example, 5th grade mathematics students scoring at the “proficient” and “advanced” levels increased from 42% to 60% from 2009 to 2010. Similarly, 5th grade communications arts students improved from 47% to 53% proficient/advanced levels.
“Acuity gives us the ability to measure student progress relative to the MAP, and allows us to adjust instruction in areas where students need assistance,” said Dr. Shawn Page, Principal at the Robinson Intermediate School in the Aurora District. “We use a systematic approach – an intervention system that gives students the help they need within 24 hours.”
The Park Hill School District, an urban district serving more than 10,000 students in the Kansas City area, has been using Acuity since 2006. Park Hill has also experienced a rise in MAP scores since implementing Acuity. At Park Hill,for example, 7th grade communications arts students scoring at the “proficient” and “advanced” levels increased from 65% to 70% from 2009 to 2010. Similarly 7th grade mathematics students improved from 65% to 72% at the proficient/advanced levels.
“Our state test scores have improved since we began using Acuity, and I am confident that Acuity has facilitated the improvement of our instruction,” said Dr. Mike Kimbrel, Director of Research, Evaluation, and Assessment at the Park Hill School District. “Acuity has also enhanced our ability to emphasize growth rather than just the end-of-year score.”
The MAP is Missouri’s criterion-referenced state assessment. Required of all public school students from grades 3-8, the MAP is used to determine Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) in communications arts, mathematics, and science.
“The important thing to remember is that Acuity is a tool that lets us see where our students are struggling, so that we can respond when they don’t learn,” added Dr. Page of Aurora School District. “We always say that without data, all you have is an opinion – and Acuity provides an important piece of the data.”
CTB/McGraw-Hill’s Acuity InFormative Assessment system has been in use in 50 Missouri school districts for more than four years.
Complete test results are available at http://dese.mo.gov/planning/profile/MAP055110.html (Aurora) and http://dese.mo.gov/planning/profile/MAP083005.html (Park Hill).
