Educators discuss new assessment methods to enhance student performance in Arizona

The Show Low School Board meeting held on July 7, 2025, focused on various educational assessments and collaborative teaching strategies aimed at improving student performance. The discussion highlighted the challenges associated with the Arizona Student Achievement Assessment (ASSA) and the need for more actionable data to support student learning.

One key point raised was the complexity of the ASSA assessment, which included questions that may not directly apply to students' results. This year, the state plans to change how it reports school performance, making it difficult for administrators to predict grades accurately. The principal noted that the upcoming school year would bring a new reporting format, which could impact how schools are evaluated.

The conversation also touched on the timing of assessments, with most standardized tests occurring at the end of the academic year. This timing limits the ability of educators to make timely interventions for students who may be struggling. To address this, the board discussed the implementation of common formative assessments, which would occur more frequently—every week or two—allowing teachers to identify and respond to individual student needs in real-time.

Additionally, the effectiveness of professional learning communities was emphasized. Teachers are encouraged to collaborate and share strategies to support students facing challenges. The principal highlighted the importance of collective problem-solving, stating that teaching should not be an isolated endeavor but rather a collaborative effort among educators.

The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the motto "all means all," emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and teamwork in achieving educational goals. The board expressed optimism about leveraging the strengths of their teaching staff to enhance student outcomes in the coming year.