Learning @ Hawthorn

Student Achievement — Are We There Yet?

At Hawthorn, “Learning for All — Whatever It Takes” is more than a motto. Our teachers and administrators are constantly striving to find ways to effectively reach each learner as we work toward 100 percent achievement by 2010.

Achievement Driven by Data

Hawthorn is making great strides in our efforts. The recently released 2006 ISAT data showed improvements at all levels, and adequate yearly progress (AYP) in all categories. This is good step in the right direction.

Perhaps more important than the mandated ISAT testing and reporting is our own system of ongoing assessment and evaluation. Through tools such as Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) assessments, Understanding by Design (UbD) frameworks, and a variety of other resources we are able to move beyond point-by-point classroom assessments to actually track learning for each student over the course of their school experience. This data-driven approach offers teachers “real time” information to help clarify where students need additional support, and where they are excelling.

When Have We Reached Our Goal?

What does it mean to have 100 percent achievement by 2010? All students are unique, so how do we determine goals for each student? Moreover, achievement is ongoing — as students learn, the bar continues to move up. How do we account for that continuous learning as we quantify achievement?

Achievement Definition

To that end, Hawthorn has developed a definition and process for identifying achievement. It takes into account both externally driven assessments (that is, the state’s mandated ISAT testing results or IMAGE evaluations for students who are less proficient in English) as well as our own ongoing internal resources (such as MAP testing data, local assessments or IEP goals).

For instance, a student will have met the math achievement goal established by our District if he or she meets or exceeds the levels mandated by ISAT/IMAGE testing. If that level has not been met or exceeded (or if that group was not evaluated with the ISAT), we will then look at the student’s math achievement as assessed by our own MAP testing. If typical growth is shown, then the student will be considered to have met our goals. We also have opportunity to examine local assessment data (that is, classroom efforts on various tests, projects and activities) to determine of the student is meeting or exceeding the achievement expectation. For students with Individualized Education Plans, we will determine if specific IEP goals are met. Flowcharts illustrating these definitions can be downloaded here:

• Math
• Language Arts
• Writing

Where Do We Stand Now?

Using our definition of achievement, and examining aggregate scores for ISAT combined with MAP testing, we report the following current overall levels of achievement:

These scores have steadily increased over the past several years, as Hawthorn works toward breakthrough learning. In fact, according to the mandates of No Child Left Behind, we are on track to reach the mandated 100 percent achievement level by 2014. That said, we at Hawthorn set our standards higher, focusing more intently on achievement for 100 percent of our students by 2010 — “Learning for All, Whatever It Takes.”

Learning is More than Goal Setting

As we talk about meeting District achievement goals, it is important to remember that our efforts at Hawthorn move beyond “meeting the goals.” It is true that measuring against goals is critical in order for us to determine where we succeed and where we need support. But our larger purpose takes us well beyond those benchmarks to ensure that all of our students not only have the basic skills and knowledge needed for success, but that they also reach their full potential as lifelong learners.

More Information Online

Questions may be directed to Dr. Sue Zook at zooks@hawthorn73.org.