More robust progress monitoring: The VKRP mid-year assessment timepoint provides an important opportunity to assess students’ progress halfway through the school year. This mid-point check-in allows educators to better understand how students are progressing toward their goals and identify areas that may require additional support. For example, one school administrator shared how they found the VKRP mid-year assessment timepoint to be a vital contributor to more robust monitoring: 

Teachers used the mid-year assessment scores to inform their Professional Learning Community (PLC) discussions, where they could analyze the data to identify trends, adjust instruction, and collaborate on strategies for addressing areas of need. The scores also helped guide interventions, allowing teachers to pinpoint students who required additional support and implemented targeted small group instruction. Additionally, the mid-year data served as a key progress monitoring tool, enabling teachers, administrators, and division-level staff to evaluate student progress toward end-of-year goals.

With more frequent and targeted progress monitoring, educators can make data-driven decisions to adapt instructional strategies and interventions as needed. 

Alignment with VALLSS: One of the key features of this new mid-year assessment timepoint is its alignment with VALLSS. Having data on both children’s academic and social-emotional skills at multiple timepoints throughout the year allows for deeper insights into student abilities, growth, and areas in need of improvement. One administrator shared the following: “To more closely align with the VALLSS and to offer a third timepoint for tracking and monitoring growth over time, many educators and administrators found it worthwhile to use the mid-year assessment option.” Additionally, administrators shared that they see the “importance of consistency in assessment tools to avoid overwhelming teachers and students.”

Support for families: Data from the mid-year timepoint can offer families another window into their children’s growth and learning. VKRP mid-year reports include information about students’ growth from fall to mid-year that teachers could share with families. One administrator pointed out that there were several reasons they decided to opt in to the mid-year assessment. In particular, they wanted to “support instructional planning, small group interventions, and communication with families about student growth and areas needing support.” By keeping families informed about their children’s progress educators and families can work together to ensure students’ success!