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Contact Janet Grossnicklaus, Coordinator of Assessment and Accountability Grossnicklaus_j @madera.k12.ca.us 559.675.4500 Joanne Hyman, Educational Specialist Hyman_j@madera.k12.ca.us 559.675.4500 ext 252 Demographics Summary Madera Unified School District (MUSD) regularly reports state and local assessment results to the board and at district committee meetings (e.g., Curriculum/Instruction Committee). District administrators encourage school staff to concentrate more on local than state assessment results. The district has developed a system of local assessment aligned to state standards and assessments that are administered and provide immediate feedback several times a year. MUSD uses an improvement process founded in Brazosport, Texas. The process is grounded in three sets of ideas:
Full Description Reporting and Using Results Madera Unified School District (MUSD) presents school results to the board and at district administrative committee and community meetings. The local newspaper reports SAT-9 and API results for Madera's schools. Public interest in state results might be one reason why schools tend to emphasize teaching to the state tests rather than local assessments. The district is exploring ways to place more importance on using local assessment results when schools make instructional program decisions. District administrators want schools to concentrate on using local data each trimester to continually improve instructional programs. The district promotes the statement: "Assessment talks. Interventions shout." MUSD uses an improvement and accountability process founded in Brazosport, Texas. The process is grounded in three sets of ideas:
Celebrating Success The district overall met its 2000 API improvement targets and celebrated its collaborative success as a community event. Some schools did not achieve all of their API targets (for all students and specific subgroups), but all were invited to share in the districtwide celebration. The district rented a hall, invited all board members, district and school staffs, and the community. Dress attire was formal, food was offered, pictures were taken, and success stories were shared. This districtwide celebration of success strengthened a "community of accountability" and enthusiasm to engage in standards-based improvement and accountability. Some schools also held site celebrations and invited board members. |