#27 From Data to Instruction with Rachel Beiswanger

🎙️ Assessments Aren’t the Enemy

In this episode, I’m joined by my real-life best friend and literacy expert, Rachel Beiswanger (@_readingrachel_), to talk about what assessments are actually for , and how to use them without overtesting or overwhelming teachers.

If you’ve ever thought, Okay… I have the data. Now what? , then this conversation is for you.

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In this episode, we discuss:

• The difference between universal screeners, diagnostics, progress monitoring, and classroom-based assessments

• Why ORF passages are intentionally not decodable (and why that matters)

• Common assessment mistakes schools are making

• How to use screening data to identify instructional pattern, not just struggling students

• The first practical step to take after you administer a universal screener

If assessments aren't your favorite, let me introduce you to Rachel.  She has the knack for making testing interesting and for helping all of us use data to inform our instruction.

Resources Mentioned:

Rachel's Upcoming Webinar (You do NOT want to miss this!)

CUBED Comprehension Assessment

Rachel's Blog