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The critical first step to meeting an AYP target is to understand the target. AYP targets are based on performance on state assessments that measure student proficiency on state content standards in reading/language arts and mathematics. Consequently, understanding the state content standards being assessed and knowing where their students are in relation to those standards is key to hitting the target. Educators who don't understand the target can't be counted on to teach the necessary knowledge and skills to students.
The only way for teachers and schools to identify which students can demonstrate proficiency on state content standards is to continuously assess and monitor students as part of their classroom instruction. Annual data from the state assessments only gives schools a snapshot of where students are at a single point in time. Daily instruction continues between when the tests are given and when the results are returned to schools. The results are dated, and provide only a snapshot of where students were when they took the test. Teachers must know on a day to day basis where their students are in relation to the content standards to have the necessary information to inform instruction. Educators who don't know where their students are do not have enough information to know how best to use their instructional time or which students need instructional interventions.
A key challenge for principals is to keep a sharp focus on the target. They need to be clear on what key processes impact student achievement results and on how a school hits the target, how to monitor progress, what a school needs to have in place, and what staff development staff need to build capacity. Without that focus, school staff will expend resources and energy on competing activities that do not lead to hitting the target. Consequently, a school leader must communicate clear expectations and zealously guard how regularly scheduled time (staff meetings, team/department meetings, and staff development) and other resources are used to meet the target.
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