Using Assessments to Support Student Learning
At the Portland Public Schools, we believe assessments are more than just tests—they're tools that help us understand how students are learning and thinking. When used thoughtfully, assessments help teachers improve their teaching and make sure every student gets the support they need to succeed.
What Are Assessments?
Assessments come in many forms—quizzes, projects, observations, and standardized tests. Each type has a unique purpose, and together they help us build a full picture of student learning. We use a balanced system of assessments that includes:
- State-required assessments, including the Maine Through Year Assessment (MTYA), MEA Science, WIDA ACCESS, and the Multi-State Alternate Assessment (MSAA). These help us understand how students are doing across the state and nation.
- Classroom-based assessments, administered by teachers and used in classrooms every day to guide instruction and give immediate feedback.
- National assessments, such as the NAEP, which provide broader comparisons and insights.
These tools help us answer key questions:
- What do students know?
- What are they still learning?
- How can we better support them?
Why Assessments Matter
Assessing student learning is essential—it gives us data that can lead to better teaching and stronger outcomes. At PPS, we use assessment results to:
- Understand how students are progressing
- Identify where extra support or challenge is needed
- Inform decisions at the classroom, school, and district levels
State assessment data also helps the Maine Department of Education determine where resources and supports are most needed across the state.
Working Together for Better Outcomes
Assessments are used to guide important conversations among educators, families, and school leaders. These conversations help us:
- Understand what’s working and what’s not
- Come up with solutions together
- Take action to improve learning for all students
Our Commitment to Equity
Our district is committed to ensuring equity in assessments by designing and implementing evaluation practices that recognize and honor the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and learning styles of all students. We strive to create fair, inclusive, and culturally responsive assessment practices that provide every learner with equitable opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge and skills through appropriate accommodations and multiple measures that reflect individual growth and achievement.