The Student Academic Outcomes Report is a collection of annual aggregate data used as indicators of programmatic and student success. This report represents summative achievement data that the District collects throughout the year via assessments such as the SAT, Advanced Placement (AP), Keystone, and Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) exams.
District assessment data are regularly examined and analyzed to assist in program planning and evaluation. The data provide teachers with relevant information regarding student progress towards grade level learning outcomes. Specific data strengths and weaknesses are identified for each student in order to meet the unique needs of each learner and to promote academic achievement. Interventions in the form of differentiation and remediation are provided as progress is regularly monitored and new data are utilized to determine next steps.
Similarly, the data are reviewed when making decisions regarding alignment of learning standards and the use of curricular resources and instructional strategies. Teachers reflect on the data trends as they make decisions regarding the adaptation of curricula. Professional development planning becomes an integral part of the data review process in order to address instructional practices that promote academic achievement for all students.
Data analysis is a key part of the decision-making process related to instruction. Teachers and administrators meet in teams in order to reflect on data trends and to develop a targeted plan to either remediate or accelerate instruction specific to learner needs. In addition to the tests that provide summative data included in this report, diagnostic exams such as the Classroom Diagnostic Tools (CDT), easy CBM, and DIBELS as well as performance based assessments administered in the classroom are also utilized. These assessments provide teachers with relevant information regarding student progress towards meeting learning outcomes.
The use of data is an effective tool in providing insight in the delivery of instruction and directly relates to the implementation of the West Allegheny School District Framework for Excellence. Specifically, Priority 1 addresses Academic Rigor, Equity, and Excellence for All Students in which students have access to rigorous, equitable academic opportunities and excellence in teaching so that they realize success. Similarly, Priority 2 highlights High Quality Instruction in Every Classroom, Every Day Within Safe and Supportive School Cultures as students have access to a highly effective teacher in every classroom that challenges them academically, builds authentic relationships with them, and espouses a growth-mindset. The reflection of data leads to the development of high quality instruction that provides academic rigor and equity for all students and establishes the foundation for continuous improvement.