A Note from our Assistant Principal

We Have the Data, Now What?

Melissa Lowther, Assistant Principal/SAT Lead/Testing Coordinator

mlowther@llschools.net

We prepared for and administered the middle of the year assessments, now, what do we do with the information? You probably know that teachers and staff at school use the data to plan instruction that is interesting to students and can support all learning styles. Did you also know that teachers work directly with each student at Sundance to reflect and revise academic goals to set realistic and achievable goals, based on their scores? When you attended parent-teacher conferences, you most likely saw your student’s data binder and were made aware of your student’s progress towards their academic goals. Why is this so important? When students are guided to set goals, they move towards self-regulated learning and take ownership of learning. It is a great way to move them towards the intrinsic motivation to succeed, to be independent, and provides them with the foundation to personalize learning to meet their own needs and advocate for themselves. Basically, they get what they need to do their job of being a student. What can parents and families do to support their students in setting academic goals? Ask questions! Ask your student: “What are your goals for math? ELA? How did you prepare for your test? How did it go? What are your 'wins' for the week (successes)? What is your plan to improve your score on the next test? To improve your grade? What do you need from us?” These questions will help your child reflect and revise their work, and showing interest helps to establish the mindset that your family values their education and shows them that learning is important. Families can also support a discussion about goals to help students meet behavioral and personal goals at school and at home. The beginning of a new year is a natural time to set goals! “Setting goals is the first step in turning the invisible into the visible.” —Tony Robbins

(adapted from “Guiding Students to Set Academic Goals”; Edutopia.org)

Next up! ACCESS Assessment- January-February 2026

Another mid-year assessment we use here at Sundance is the ACCESS for ELLs assessment. This assessment meets federal requirements for monitoring and reporting student progress towards English language proficiency and supports teachers and students in facilitating language development. It is given to students identified as English language learners and provides important information to support classroom instruction, differentiation, and class placement. This test has four parts: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. We prepare students for this assessment in much the same way we prepare them for Amira/IStation and iMSSA: we provide test-taking tips and offer test preparation activities. We ask that families support this important test by stressing the importance of “trying your best!” and by encouraging your student to speak confidently during the speaking section of the test. As always, the most valuable thing you can do for your student is ensure a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast on testing days.