Watch the RecordingListen to the Podcast

We’ve all done it, or know someone who has—crammed for a test last minute. And while you might retain enough information to pass, are you really proficient in the task? Do you actually have knowledge that you could apply to another problem? That’s the issue many educators face at state testing time when trying to make sure students are prepared.

But, according to educators and leaders during the edLeader Panel “Turning Data Into Action for Strong Student Outcomes on State Tests,” the most effective action to avoid cramming is to focus on proficiency throughout the year in order to create a culture of readiness.

7 Strategies for Creating a Culture of Readiness

1. Focus on Using Real-Time Analytics

Rather than waiting until the end of a unit—or even the end of the week—teachers should be accessing data in the moment to target strengths and weaknesses. Depending on the data, teachers can then adjust their instruction, such as separating students into small groups based on their understanding of the topic or creating a lesson with a different approach when there is a general need. By responding to the data during the lesson, teachers are able to help students in that moment rather than trying to help them catch up later.

2. Embed Opportunities for Assessment Into Every Lesson

In order to collect the real-time data, teachers need to break down complex topics and strategically place mini-assessments so they can see where students are. These don’t have to be formal assessments—they might even be based on observations. The key is to recognize how each skill/area of knowledge builds on the previous one and how to make sure that students are ready for the next step.

3. Cycle the Lessons

The first time a student learns a new concept shouldn’t be the last time they see it. Teachers should reinforce student knowledge by incorporating past lessons throughout their curriculum. And the assessments should reflect this cycling so that the teachers can tell if the student is still proficient in the previous skill as well as the new one.

4. Create Assessments That Are Similar to State Testing

When teachers are creating assessments, they should include some questions that students will encounter on the state tests. Early and repeated exposure to the style of the state tests will ease anxiety and let students focus on sharing their knowledge.

5. Take Accountability Off the Teachers

Teachers may inflate data, teach to the test, etc., because they fear the repercussions if their students don’t perform well. But when they are collecting data frequently, they can share student progress with their administrators and get help when needed.

6. Let Students Be a Part of the Process

Explain to students why you are tracking data, and show them the progress they are making. Have them be an active participant in their own education. Many of them will be excited to show off how far they’ve come.

7. Design Your Assessments so You Can Easily Gather Data

If you can’t have a conversation about individual items from the assessment, then it’s not a useful tool.

Finally, as with any new initiative, you won’t be able to implement a culture of readiness overnight. Work with your teachers to see what they are doing and how that could be turned into real-time analytics, if they don’t have that already. Give them room to innovate, and help them understand how this new approach can improve teaching and learning.

Learn more about this edWeb broadcast, Turning Data Into Action for Strong Student Outcomes on State Tests, sponsored by Wayground (formerly Quizizz).

Watch the RecordingListen to the Podcast

Join the Community

PD in Action is a free professional learning community that makes it easy to collaborate with fellow educators on the common goal of improving student learning.

Wayground (formerly Quizizz) is a teaching platform that lets you deliver instruction that’s relevant for every student with a boost from AI. With Wayground, teachers can plan engaging yet rigorous assessments, lessons, or activities in a matter of minutes for any grade level or subject.

Article by Stacey Pusey, based on this edLeader Panel