To 8th Grade Math Teachers and School Administrators,
Classroom Assessments Based on Standards (CABS) are increasingly important in our efforts to
improve students’ achievement in mathematics. They represent a practical and manageable tool
that connects students’ work with the MPS Learning Targets and the Wisconsin Assessment
Framework.
Over the last four years, the Milwaukee Mathematics Partnership (MMP) has learned, along with
most teachers, what is needed in quality CABS. Teachers have continually challenged us to connect
their students’ work to the grade level expectations of mathematics achievement. There is good
news to report regarding our efforts – namely, mathematics achievement levels as measured by the
WKCE-CRT are going up! Additonally, the achievement gaps between MPS and the state are
narrowing in most grade levels. At this point in our analysis, the extensive professional
development and implementation of the formative assessment initiatives surrounding the work with
CABS seem to be an important part of improved student achievement. Schools that have been
using the district’s model CABS, along with feedback sessions involving students and colleagues,
are clearly leading the way in improving student achievement. I applaud their efforts and continue
to work with the MMP math team in providing professional development to support this work.
For the last two years, a subgroup of teachers primarily involved in teaching students of grades 8
and 9 were focused on the unique challenges of these grade levels. It is in this area of mathematics
achievement that our district faces its greatest challenge. Student achievement in mathematics over
these two years represents the only grade levels currently indicating declining student achievement.
Our efforts to intensify the formative assessment initiatives must be embraced by more and more of
our K8, middle, and high schools. Remember, the achievement levels measured by the WKCECRT in 10th grade are primarily measuring students’ mathematics achievement in both grades 8 and
9. Therefore, every effort to monitor and promote their learning during these difficult years must be
employed.
The 8th and 9th Grades Math Assessment Pilot are providing in this resource guide outstanding math
CABS particularly designed for the 8th grade. These CABS were developed after a thorough study
of the Wisconsin Assessment Framework and other assessment tools for students in the 8th and 9th
grades. These CABS were developed by teachers involved in teaching these grade levels along
with professors of mathematics involved in our partnership. We hope these CABS will be used to
continue and expand the formative assessment initiatives promoted by the MMP, and to be further
used as an important tool in bringing teachers together who are working with students in the 8th and
9th grades.
It is with great anticipation and hope for the future that these CABS are provided to teachers. We
all know, however, a lot more work remains. Effective implementation of these CABS will be a
primary focus of our work for 2007-08. Professional development involving these CABS remains a
high priority for our district.
Yours truly,
Henry Kranendonk
MPS Mathematics Curriculum Specialist