A Time for Transitions

I have always loved the beginning of the school year.  When I was a student, the end of August meant brushing off my backpack, reuniting with friends I may not have seen over the summer months, and meeting a new crop of teachers who were ready to inspire me.  However along with all the excitement was always a slight undercurrent of nerves.  Would I have classes with my friends?  Would my teachers be nice again this year?  Would I be able to find the right classrooms at the right time?

The first day of school at Pleasantdale Middle School

As an educator myself, I now know all of these feelings are very typical.  The beginning of a new school year is always a time for transitions.  Students are learning how to navigate a new grade with increased responsibilities and expectations, while educators and parents alike are learning how best to support children as they navigate these changes.  Another transition we are all experiencing in Pleasantdale District 107 this fall is the transition from our previous use of the STAR test to now utilizing the MAP test.

MAP, which stands for "Measures of Academic Progress", is an adaptive computer-based test that measures student growth in English and Mathematics over the course of time.  Think of the MAP test as being similar to taking a child to a doctor for a check up.  The doctor is able to determine whether a child is growing at a healthy rate, physically, whereas the MAP test helps educators understand if the child is growing at a healthy rate, academically.  Students will take the MAP test in the fall, winter, and spring to provide "check ups" on their academic growth throughout the school year.

As we look to take our school "from good to great", we are continually looking for ways to help students take ownership of their learning experience.  One of the most exciting features of the MAP test are the reports it provides for each student, which highlight specific areas of strength and areas of growth in English and Math.  This information allows for improved differentiation in the classroom to optimize student growth, while also providing helpful information to students so they can be more invested in establishing SMART goals for themselves.  We are excited to see how these reports help students become more invested in successfully achieving their learning goals.

As the school year progresses, I am looking forward to sharing more ways we are empowering our students at Pleasantdale Middle School to make the most of this school year by taking pride and ownership in their school and community.  On behalf of the entire staff, we are looking forward to partnering with our students to make this the best school year yet!