Multi-Dimensional Assessment
The Demand for Evaluation
Rest assured that MDED understands the heavy focus on assessment and evaluation that you are experiencing. On a weekly basis we hear about how many tests and surveys students seem to be taking these days, and as a result scheduling time for more surveys often presents a challenge. As students continue to take one test and survey after another they slowly become burned out on the process. From student drug use to school climate, it would appear that there is a 100+ question survey out there for every aspect of education; and that all promise they will help you learn more about your students. Instead of multiple surveys that demand far too many questions to focus on ONE certain dimension of education, at MDED we take a different approach.
The MDED Multi-Dimensional Difference
At MDED, we believe in assessing many dimensions of education with as few questions as possible. Our instrument has been field tested on thousands of educators, parents, and students in states all across the U.S.A. Through extensive use and factor analysis of our survey we have reduced the amount of questions needed to reliably capture a valid multi-dimensional assessment of education. In other words, less is more with MDED.
Instead of having your students take surveys throughout the year, with MDED your students will only need to take a survey that takes approximately one hour; one time a year. Additionally, while most surveys provide you with only demographic analysis and some descriptive figures that provide very little predictive insight, with MDED you will receive more descriptive information than you would normally get as well as analysis that provides you with solutions as to how to lower academic challenges and increase academic achievement.
How Does The MDED Dimensional Model Work?
The Multi-Dimensional model above provides you with a visual description of the analysis we will provide. As stated, students will complete the MDED Assessment Instrument. We do this by providing you with pre-coded survey booklets printed exclusively for your schools’ analysis that can be sent to your schools directly and given by teachers at a convenient time. The surveys do not require any form of student identification, so the surveys are anonymous. Next, to help you complete an analysis of your behavioral/ discipline codes, drop-out and turnover rates, attendance and retention; we work with you to collect existing data on academic challenges. Then we collect data relating to student academic achievement.
Once we have completed the data collection process, we then will provide you with an evaluation that will give you detailed performance reports by school and school district on your academic challenges and academic achievement. We will also provide you with a performance report by school and school district that will provide you feedback on how your schools’ are performing on the dimensions included in the model above; and possibly additional dimensions if you so choose. These reports will not only provide you with descriptive statistics to assess which schools in your district are doing well or poorly, but also will provide you with information that helps to determine exactly why schools are doing well or poorly. Here lies the key of MDED. Once you understand what are the issues that are affecting the learning of students you can develop strategies to turn the concerns into strengths. Without the data, you are guessing. With MDED, you know.
In other words, we use the MDED Assessment Instrument to help you determine more precisely which schools are performing well on the following dimensions, and how that performance is affecting their academic challenges and achievements. And as mentioned previously, we can collect this data from parent and educator perspectives as well that can provide more of a triangulation on how your schools are perceived by the many stakeholders who are part of your system.
Meaningful Dimensions of Education Assessed by MDED
Community Engagement
According to a host of educational visionaries (e.g., Dewey, Piaget, Vygotsky), without the help of parents and positive interpersonal interactions within the greater community, educators face increased challenges to achieving miracles in youth development and instructional success. What is the level of community engagement being practiced in your schools? Is it contributing to the educational success or unfortunate failures?
This dimension assesses factors such as:
- Interpersonal Community Engagement
- Parent Involvement
- Service to Community
- Community Support
Sample questions:
- My relationships with my neighbors have helped me to be a better person.
- My parents or guardian attend school activities regularly (examples, parent/teacher conferences, sporting events).
- Students at this school often take part in community activities.
Curriculum Expectations
Schools that are surpassing the norm in America approach teaching as a science. Studies reveal they use theory to create, prepare, and deliver a rigorous challenging education. They use technology and enthusiasm to share such knowledge. How do the students and educators feel about your curriculum? Is your curriculum meaningful and challenging? Is the instruction meeting the many expectations?
This dimension assesses factors such as:
- Educational Rigor
- Instructional Creativity
- Academic Support
- Differentiated Effectiveness
Sample questions:
- The teachers in my school set clear learning goals for the classroom, and expect us to accomplish them.
- The teachers in my school make an extra effort to make the subject matter interesting.
- The teachers in my school take a personal interest in my education, and work together to help me succeed.
Developmental Perspectives
Recent private and federally-funded research into character education, socio-emotional learning, and moral development has produced empirical evidence that show increases in academic achievement when schools focus simultaneously on academics and developing caring citizens. Are your schools focusing on the social, emotional, and moral development of students and educators? Are you practicing character right or light?
This dimension assesses factors such as:
- Student Success Traits
- School Misconduct
- Compassion for Others
- Behavior Issues
- Discipline Policies
Sample questions:
- How often have you broken school rules?
- How often have you helped or gotten help for someone who needed your assistance?
- I look out for myself and do not try to solve other people’s problems.
Educational Attitudes
GPA and standardized testing supposedly offer insight into one’s hypothesized academic achievement. Yet most of us know a smart child who is not motivated to learn or take a test. Motivation is the key to learning, and improving educational attitudes is the answer to increasing motivation. How about considering how the student feels toward school or testing? How about seeking more information as to how one might build an intrinsic drive to learn?
This dimension assesses factors such as:
- Motivation to Learn
- Academic Empowerment
- Student Work-Ethic
- Feelings Toward School
Sample questions:
- I am motivated to do my schoolwork.
- I feel that I am giving my best effort in school.
- In order to do better on a test or an assignment for school, I am often willing to not watch TV, play video games or hang out with friends.
Faculty Fidelity
Approximately 45% of new teachers do not make it past 5 years in the profession. Professional development is paramount to insuring that all participants fully understand the basics to instructional success and continuous improvement. More thorough understanding is obtained through ongoing instructional support, and coaching. Are your teachers supported? How well are they teaching? How well are they respected?
This dimension assesses factors such as:
- Teacher Trust
- Teacher Satisfaction
- Teacher Efficacy
- Organizational Support
Sample questions:
- The teachers in my school help me to feel safe and at ease.
- The teachers at this school try to help students make positive changes in their lives.
- The teachers in my school help me to feel safe and at ease.
Leadership Potential
Principals and leadership teams are critical to the success of creating an organizational culture for instructional and professional success. With poor leadership at the foundation of the organization, success will rarely ever materialize. Assessing organizational management practices and communication is essential for academic achievement. How do the teachers feel about your principals? How do the children feel about the leadership teams?
This dimension assesses factors such as:
- Leadership Satisfaction
- Leadership Styles
- Communication
- Shared Mission and Vision
Sample questions:
- The principal in my school keeps their word.
- The administration helps teachers and students carry out their roles.
- The administration ensures that the teachers are helping students learn.
School Climate
Safe and caring schools are a necessity for a student/teacher relationship to grow. The emotional attachment of a student to his or her school is critical to a good education, and the school climate is a major impact on this attachment and academic achievement. How do students, parents, and educators feel when they walk through the school doors? Do students, parents, and educators feel safe? Do your schools offer a positive learning environment?
This dimension assesses factors such as:
- School Climate
- Student Relationships
- School Liking
- School Loneliness
- Bonding to School
Sample questions:
- This school is free from bullying and harassment.
- I find myself bored in this school.
- I have very few people to talk to at this school.
Is There Something We Missed?
Though we feel we have captured some of the most influential dimensions to education and producing successful schools, is there another area you would like us to collect? For instance, would you like to have more information on drug use, sexual behavior,…just let us know. We are here to help.
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