First Graders Forge Ahead in Technology
by Cathy Hoffart
January 17, 2012
On Tuesday, January 17th, Mrs. Hoffart's First Graders became the FIRST class in Wakefield Community Schools to take the MAPS Assessment on laptops in the classroom!
Before we begin, however, here is some important assessment information for you:
The MAPS assessment is a very important test as it gives teachers immediate feedback regarding student achievement and performance in both reading and math. The information provided by this assessment can drive instruction in the classroom and be used as small group or individual intervention for students who need a bit of extra help in certain areas!
Before now, we trekked to the computer lab and took an hour or more from our very busy schedule to take this assessment. It was hard to know if we were making the best of our time as some students took 30 minutes to take the assessments and others can took up to an hour. Then, Mr. Wulf and some other teachers were talking and wondered how effective the mobile laptop lab would be in administering the MAPS assessment. Mr. Wulf asked for volunteer classrooms to use the laptops and Mrs. Hoffart's class stepped up to the challenge. (By the way, other classes are using the laptop lab as well! We just happen to be the first on the schedule! (: ) The thought behind moving this assessment to the classroom is that students will feel more comfortable in a familiar setting, be in chairs that fit them, and be in a space free from outside distractions - therefore, performing better!
The results of this endeavor, you ask? ALL of the first graders improved - some exceeding their fall scores by 5 to 10 points! Way to go first graders - we are so proud of you!
