Year-Long assessments are important to use as benchmarks for student growth. When we give assessments at the beginning of the year, we have a baseline score for students, and a jumping-off point for where they need to be at the year's end. There are two main assessments we use, both formative and summative.
ST Math ST Math is a virtual learning program that involves no directions or words. Students are challenged to figure out how to move "JiJi" to the other side of the page using different math strategies. This conceptual learning allows students to work at their own pace throughout the year. If students master a concept, they are able to move on and work at a faster pace than those students who may struggle with a particular concept. It is easy for me to give feedback, as the interface shows me how many times students have gotten stuck on a particular concept. I can then go over and help with understanding the problem and how to move JiJi forward. *Image pulled from scholar's work in ST Math progress
MAP Testing MAP Testing is given three times throughout the year, and is a perfect way to show student progress from beginning, middle, and end of the year. In the fall, students are given a baseline score and projections for the end of the year based on expected growth. The goal for each student is to move at least 5 points by year end. MAP is administered mid-year as a check up on where students are at. I don't use much of this for day-to-day data, but I do use it as a motivator for my students and also as a place to set long-term goals for the end of the year. We are not able to modify these assessments, and must use them as is.