Step to Success
Results-Driven Change
For too long, education as a profession has been process-driven, adopting or rejecting practices based on leadership, topical movements or legislation. Research, however, overwhelmingly indicates that successful schools are driven by results. Schools that improve student learning continuously use data throughout the year, as a tool for the process of teaching, not merely as an end measure.
Using Data As A Catalyst
With the Standards-based Testing and Evaluation Program (STEP), teachers are provided with practical information that is easy to understand and can serve as the catalyst for immediate change. STEP reports provide a direct, concise presentation of data, so teachers can focus on the instructional implications, rather than on the data itself.
STEP Assessments
Kinney and Associates has developed a series STEP Assessment aligned to state standards in reading comprehension and math. The STEP Assessments are criterion-referenced assessments designed to indicate what a student knows regarding specific knowledge and / or skills.
The reading STEP Assessments are comprised of complete reading passages immediately followed by questions, which measure a student's ability to read with understanding and fluency. The reading passages are intact pieces of literature or informational material drawn from typical student reading material.
The math STEP Assessments are designed to address the areas of mathematics, however, each STEP test assesses specific strands. Covering problem solving, geometry and probability / statistics in the first STEP, geometry and measurement in the second STEP, probability and statistics are covered in STEP three and STEP four includes problem solving.
An Essential Tool For Positive Growth
The effective use of data is an essential tool in improving schools. It allows teachers to quickly identify and attend to teaching in areas of student need. In an era of accountability, when success is measured by achievement results, STEP Assessments and Professional Development are the tools to insure positive growth.
Experience Counts
Since 1990, hundreds of schools have adopted STEP as a comprehensive assessment plan for collecting student performance data. Aligned with state standards and achievement test objectives, STEP provides a low-stakes benchmark assessment plan with reports to help teachers help their students.
