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WASC

by Beth

Jan 4, 2010

I serve on the leadership team at my school and we are preparing for WASC. My principal assigned me the Data Analysis portion of WASC. It is a brand new format and I need help. The factor reads: The school uses educationally sound assessment processes to collect data. The school dis-aggregates and analyzes student performance data and uses the analysis as a basis for instructional/curricular improvement. Disaggregation and analysis of all data with clear supporting interpretations. Trends and possible issues identified. Disaggregated data and other resources used by the instructional staff are integral to improve student achievement. Does anyone have a resource they recommend? A list of all possible assessments? The obvious ones are standardized tests and classroom assessments, but I believe they are looking for more than the obvious. Trends- longitudinal studies? Thank you for any advice you can share! Beth

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Dale D Do you use the ACRE assessment? It's from the NCEA and is a very strong component towards assessing your religion program. Taking it step farther, have you co-ordinated it with (and used it in evaluating) your present religion text series and support system? This is an arduous process, but extremely beneficial in analyzing why certain areas seem "w...See MoreDo you use the ACRE assessment? It's from the NCEA and is a very strong component towards assessing your religion program. Taking it step farther, have you co-ordinated it with (and used it in evaluating) your present religion text series and support system? This is an arduous process, but extremely beneficial in analyzing why certain areas seem "weak" in the assessment. (You may find that it may be in the semantics or vernacular of the students' understanding, as we did.)

As to assessments, from my experience as a WASC team member for the last 30 years or so, I believe that what is wanted is evidence of a variety of assessments being used to adapt to various learning styles. And I really mean evidence. The more variety (rubric-based, portfolio, projects, technology-based, etc., etc.) you can actually show being used with tracking for students / classes, the closer you will come to the desired direction towards which education is presently tending.

Your longitudinal studies may be generated through your standardized testing. If you are using the ITBS, this year a disc is available that will print out both class and individual tracking for this year and past years that you have used that particular test. I'm sorry, I cannot comment on other tests. Now, there is a privacy issue here when it comes to the actual WASC visitation, but when you write up your document, try to include the fact that your faculty has made use of these reports to achieve student improvement, text selection, differentiated learning, etc. Though ACRE doesn't provide a longitudinal study, if you have the past years' reports, you can create your own study from the reports that are returned to the school.

As far as either testing or assessment goes, I think the one thing you want to remember is that they are are all only instruments to use to answer the question, "How do we know the student has learned what we have taught?" Don't dwell too much on describing the instrument, but do show that learning is happening at your school.

And good luck in your evaluation. (Celebrate the day after!

Jan 5, 2010

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MCH - Gr2 We went through WCEA/WASC last year and I was also responsible for the data analysis. I agree with everything Dale D said - except that if you use ITBS the results are now available on line and it is very easy to do longitudinal studies. The information is very specific and can really help to determine what the specific needs are of all the student...See More

Jan 5, 2010

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