I asked a group of curriculum directors what is most challenging about measuring student growth, and one responded, “We don’t know what aspects of DDMs we should be addressing.”

I infer from this comment that, while districts have invested the time and effort to implement DDMs, they have not found the time to reflect on the impact of the process.

To support the reflection process, we’re producing a brief presentation that walks people through the DDM process and the opportunities for training and growth at each juncture. For example, after the first administration, teachers who score student work together can compare definitions of what it takes to meet the standard (curriculum, assessment). While analyzing the results of this first administration, teachers may identify areas of weakness and  revise  instructional strategies to provide the support students need (instruction).

It’s our hope that this presentation will help district teams identify which aspects of measuring student growth to address– to improve teacher practice and student growth.