Buckeye Local Schools implements MAP Growth testing to figure out individual student growth and achievement

YORK TWP. — Buckeye Schools will be using MAP Growth assessments for the first time this school year to determine student achievement and growth in reading, language, math and science. Buckeye Schools Curriculum Director Bridget Elias gave a presentation on the topic at the Buckeye Board of Education meeting on Tuesday. She said Buckeye students have taken one test so far, and will take three assessments a school year. The questions for the tests change depending on student answers. The more questions a student gets correct, the harder the questions get and vice versa. Other districts have used MAP Growth testing in the past. A detailed data report is made after each test to show where students are succeeding and struggling as individuals, she said. Teachers are given the information to tailor their teaching to help students achieve at higher levels. Teachers can also see how much each student has grown academically over time. "These are all tools in the tool belt to help meet our students where they're at, and move them forward," Buckeye Superintendent Jeff Harrison said. Another new program is the district's curriculum frameworks. Elias said teachers throughout the district came together last year to create the frameworks. They are documents listed by grade and subject that explain the textbooks, assessments and skills that are currently taught in each type of class. Harrison said the frameworks provide clarity to parents about what is being taught in school. It also helps ensure all students in the same subject are having a similar learning experience despite being in different classes. "This is a resource that we want to make sure we're transparent with and put out there (so) that anybody can review that at any time," he said. Each curriculum document for Buckeye can be seen at bit.ly/3Vm02mI. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.