In today’s data-rich environment, quick, focused conversations about students’ work and goals known as “data chats” can build relationships and boost academic achievement.

To prepare for these quick conversations, teachers gather information about the student’s performance, whether from local or state standardized assessments, performance-based assessments, or monitoring progress toward a goal. With Otus, these types of student data are centralized to make accessing the insights easy and efficient for educators.

Summer learning loss has challenged educators each year going back decades. However, our understanding of what extended breaks mean for learners is evolving. 

Based on advances in research methods as well as insights from real-world disruptions—most notably the COVID pandemic, the emerging picture of who is affected (and how much) is nuanced. Researchers are also looking into differences in how achievement is measured and gauging what prevention and recovery strategies are most effective.

As K-12 schools continue to adopt data-driven approaches, one of the most valuable tools for tracking student growth are the MAP Growth assessments. These assessments provide insight into how students are performing academically while also allowing for targeted interventions to support future success. But how do educators effectively analyze and act on MAP Growth data?

By asking the right questions, educators can turn raw data into actionable insights that drive student achievement, improve instructional strategies, and promote equity across schools. Check out the infographic below to learn more about leveraging MAP Growth data for better decision-making in your district.

“Where do I begin?” is the most common question once a referendum passes. Ampersand has created the following quick start guide to assist the district with developing a plan for managing your bond proceeds that not only aims to keep your cash safe, but also optimizes your liquidity while minimizing both costs and management time.