Why Use a Data Wall? Third Grade NWEA MAP Data Revealed

Each year, students take NWEA MAP tests in the Fall, Winter, and Spring.  These tests are used to show where students are ready for instruction (RIT score).  Teachers use the information gathered from these tests for a variety of reasons throughout the year.  But, Ms. A wondered, "Do the students know what these tests are for?" and "Do the students know where they should be performing?"

So, this year, Ms. A created data folders for each student in her homeroom so that students could track their progress throughout the year.  Lines were drawn across the bar graphs to indicate the cut scores for each performance level in reading and math so that students would know what score they needed to reach to be considered proficient, accelerated, or advanced.

Bar graphs were shaded in with the previous spring's results and students were conferenced with prior to the Fall testing to establish a goal.  The result... students met or exceeded their goal.  The class data was then used to create a Data Wall.  Student created owls were numbered according to our classroom numbering system (to protect student privacy).  Owls were placed in RIT band baskets that indicated the performance range in which their score fell.

On NWEA MAP Reading, of 25 students, 1 student performed at an Accelerated level, one student performed at a
Proficient level, 6 students scored at the Third Grade Reading Guarantee Level and all remaining students scored either
Limited or Basic during Fall 2014 testing.

Each month, students set S.M.A.R.T. Goals (see earlier blog post) for reading, math, and behavior.  These goals are designed to create an action plan to help them reach their growth target for the next assessment period.  Throughout the year, references are made to our Data Wall about the kinds and types of student behaviors that will help us to reach our goals and get our owls to the nests in which we would like to be.

When speaking with students, students admit that third grade is very difficult.  They understand that they are challenged this year more than other years but that "the growth happens in the struggle".  One of the most difficult things about third grade is that when a student enters third grade reading 1-2 years behind grade level, we have the Third Grade Reading Guarantee to worry about.  This means that we cannot simply consider growing academically one year.  We often have to grow 1-2 years (and sometimes even more) otherwise, the threat of retention becomes a reality.

This Winter, students took the NWEA MAP assessments following Winter Break.  Again, prior to testing, Ms. Amstutz conferenced with students, students established S.M.A.R.T. goals, and students established testing goals.  Perhaps the most important goal we have is to "be willing to struggle".  It was explained to students that the MAP test is designed to get more difficult as they answer questions correctly.  So, that it is getting hard is a GOOD thing!  This is when they have to be willing to struggle.  This is where they can show how good they really are!  Often, students don't want to sit and read the longer passages, particularly when reading is difficult.  But, with the motivation to reach those goals, now they understand that they have to have an internal willingness to struggle and grow.

And, the results were....OUTSTANDING!

On the Winter 2015 NWEA MAP testing 5 students scored Accelerated, 6 students scored Proficient, and 4 students scored
at the Third Grade Reading Guarantee cut.  Four other students were within 6 points of the Third Grade Reading Guarantee
cut score while the rest were not far behind that.

Over 75% of third graders met or exceeded their mid-year reading growth targets.  Several  even met or exceeded their end of year growth targets!  Perhaps one of the biggest accomplishments of the class is "closing the gap".  At the beginning of the year, our classroom average was 12.4 points behind the national average.  As of the Winter testing, our classroom average is only 7.4 points behind the national average.  This means that not only have we grown as we are expected to grow, we have shaved 5.0 points off of the gap in reading!

Student response to using the Data Folders and the Data Wall has been overwhelmingly positive.  They now more fully understand where they are supposed to be and why they should put effort into THEMSELVES!  Over and over again, students say that they do not want things to be difficult for ever.  They understand that if they put a little bit of struggle in for a little while, it will eventually get easier.  They understand that it feels good to do good.  They understand that the feeling of "I am proud of myself" is the best feeling in the world!  They understand that it is important to be the BEST ONE DONE and not the first one done!  They understand that whatever their name is on is a reflection of them and that they have to make it good!

New to our Data Wall for the second quarter is a focus on NWEA MAP math.  Let's see how we can make our math scores soar to new heights as well!

NWEA MAP Math Data Wall by RIT Band