The General Summative Assessment, also known as the GSA, takes place in the spring for grades 3-8. The test is our state test, and schools throughout the state of WV are always looking for ways to motivate students and involve stakeholders. We are aiming to shed light on this process for our community and make sure our parents and guardians can be part of this process! Check out more information about how we prepare for our state test below!
JoJo Shay, Ohio County Schools Innovation Coordinator, plays a large role in preparing students and teachers for the annual test. Working together, Federal Programs Director Walt Saunders and JoJo Shay created and continuously monitor MAPping documents.
OCS MAPping documents track student data in a breakdown that directly relates to the WV state standards. “MAPping is a standard analysis of our students. It looks at what hinders students and helps teachers narrow the gap for individual students in regard to knowledge and skills.. Every teacher follows their state standards and delves deeply into the rigor, knowledge, and skills that students need to achieve at each grade level. Understanding this helps students acquire the level of learning needed to be successful at the current grade level and beyond,” states Shay.
The system used to track this data has evolved heavily since the Covid-Era, and the proof is evident. “Across the board, we have seen growth since coming out of their Covid-year,” states Shay. As a county, there is always more work to be done. “We are continuing to focus on making additional gains across the board, but particularly in middle school math. We are already seeing the gains, and it’s really, really exciting,” Shay adds.
Pulling data from the state system doesn’t always show a specific standard or concept breakdown, so by using OCS MAPping, teachers are able to get a more in depth look at each student’s abilities and identify areas of strength and areas of weakness. In addition to doing this autonomously, teachers regularly collaborate to see the best ways to support students across every subject. Shay and Saunders also meet with schools frequently to discuss the data and have discussions with teachers and administrators.
So what happens with the data, not only from the state test, but also from various modules and practice tests given throughout the year? “It shows teachers what we need to remediate as well as the need for reteaching or enrichment, and other various interventions,” states Shay.
Testing can be stressful for students (and for teachers)! Schools have already begun releasing various testing dates. What can you do at home to support your child?
As standard practice, make sure students aim to get enough rest and grab a school breakfast the morning of the test. Using the tools that are built in on the GSA can also help aid many students during the testing process. Also, remind students to breathe! They are sharing many skills that they already know and have mastered. “Students need to know that this doesn’t define them, but we want to show to our teachers, and each student individually what they’ve learned this year!” adds Shay. “We aim for EVERY student to show growth and improve, and each child needs to be celebrated.”