Keeping Learning on Track: A Case-Study of Formative Assessment Practice and Its Impact on Learning in Meridian School District.

In partnership with Joint School District 2 in Meridian, Idaho, this theory-driven study assessed the impact of Keeping Learning on Track® (KLTTM), a professional development program pioneered by Dylan Wiliam and his colleagues at the Educational Testing Service (ETS). A team of Northwest Evaluation AssociationTM (NWEATM) researchers surveyed teachers and students over two academic years (2012-13, 2013-14) to examine which elements of the program, and under what conditions, we saw the greatest impact on 1) the use of formative assessment instructional practices in the classroom and, 2) changes in student achievement measures in reading and mathematics. Our results were generally positive. The findings suggest that KLT influenced teacher practices and student engagement over time. Teacher and student survey responses report successful adoption of the five key formative assessment strategies. Additionally, participants reported positive evaluations of their KLT experience and cited sharing experiences with their peers in learning communities as the most helpful aspect of the program. There was little direct evidence that KLT impacted student achievement over the course of the study. But, as many researchers have observed, professional development programs may take more time to show discernable progress in terms of student achievement outcomes. Thus, it could be too early to see measurable gains in student achievement. NWEA plans to continue its partnership with Meridian and track student growth in subsequent years to explore this possibility. Lastly, various aspects of KLT implementation that were measured did not appear to influence our conclusions about KLT in Meridian. We hope our findings help Meridian and other partner districts assess the value of their investment in KLT and inform recommendations to improve the program and its delivery to improve student engagement and learning. Executive Sponsor: Raymond Yeagley, VP Research and Chief Academic Officer Principal Investigator: Yeow Meng Thum, Senior Research Fellow KLT Research Team: Beth Tarasawa, Andy Hegedus, Yun Xiang, & Branin Bowe Project Manager: Nate Young Copyright © 2015 Northwest Evaluation Association MAP, Measures of Academic Progress, and Partnering to Help All Kids Learn are registered trademarks and NWEA is a trademark of Northwest Evaluation Association in the U.S. and other countries. The names of other companies and their products mentioned are the trademarks of their respective owners.