But they frequently overlap with the staff development team in determining how to help teachers develop the necessary knowledge and skills to implement new strategies. For example, by examining test scores, the proficiency team discovered fourth graders were doing very poorly in algebra and data analysis on state math exams. The proficiency team and the staff development team developed a strategy to address this and ensure that teachers had the skills to implement the strategy. Then, the teams devised a means for tracking those fourth graders through sixth grade. Students also are deeply involved in improvement efforts.
Students get really excited to see their run charts.
It's very concrete. It's very easy for them to understand. Teachers also chart a class average and a grade average in each area. As children become more knowledgeable about the process, teachers share those charts with them. Holden said teachers encourage students to focus on their own growth and not to become overly concerned with how they compare to the group averages.