Our vision is to replace classrooms where teachers talk and students passively listen with classrooms where teachers facilitate hands-on learning activities and students learn to think and apply their knowledge. The test results were used for a content validation of the eighth-grade mathematics test in our Missouri Assessment Plan. It helped us identify specific areas where we were doing well and others where we needed to improve. Also, we found the attitudinal data on teachers and students very helpful. For example, data on why students think they succeed offers insight about student motivation.
Professional development is a key reform strategy in Missouri.
We have established nine regional professional development centers based in state colleges and universities where we train lead teachers in authentic instruction and assessment methods. The First in the World Consortium was created 3 years ago and now includes 19 suburban Illinois school districts. A total of 3,100 students were tested representing a student population of 37,000. The rich data about curriculum and teaching are generating ideas for improved practice in our districts. We have supported two summer institutes with 350 participants, including teachers, administrators, and school board members.