Staff proud of student testing

As the WyTOPP testing window closes the educators in Hot Springs County School District No. 1 are very proud of their students. “One of our overarching goals is for all students to engage in academics and demonstrate individual growth and learning,” Ralph Witters Elementary Principal Catelyn Deromedi and 5-12 Principal Breez Daniels said.

“One of the positives about the new WyTOPP assessment is that teachers get immediate feedback on student learning. This type of feedback allows us as schools and educators to reflect on our practice.

“Throughout the school year we have encouraged growth mindset. This is a belief that all students can grow in their learning and that as educators we want to support them in their individual growth.

“The state assessment (WyTOPP) is an opportunity for our students to show what they know. We want our students to give an authentic effort, just like they are asked to do in sports, activities and other pursuits.

Daniels noted official local and statewide results are not available at this time, and everything they can see at this point is preliminary. She further added this is only the second year of WyTOPP, and the assessment “requires much more critical thinking and independent response items than the purely multiple choice PAWS. WyTOPP is also at a higher rigor level in regards to curricular standards, the Wyoming Performance Standards.”

More information is available at edu.wyoming.gov/educators/state-assessment/wy-topp