Redefining Success

We will transform how we define, measure, and report student achievement with a focus on each student's individualized growth and mastery in areas that extend beyond traditional academic indicators.

Lower Merion School District has a long legacy of graduating successful students who go on to do great things in the world. The District is also committed to supporting the needs of every child and eliminating achievement gaps that have persisted for too long. For those who have lived the LMSD experience, we know that success has always been more than an answer on a test, a number on a chart. While there is value in measuring academic growth through standardized assessments, there are important outcomes worth measuring that state assessments aren't designed or intended to reveal. We believe there is a need to develop a holistic system of assessments aligned to our values and goals. What's most important - what we want to ensure - is that we have kids who are happy, who feel safe and supported and inspired, and who are prepared to overcome challenges, lead, and change the world.

It's time to redefine success. This is our obligation and responsibility to our children.

• Create protocols that measure development (i.e. social, emotional and physical wellness), creativity, critical thinking, love of learning and innovation so that growth is more broadly measured
• Re-examine how student growth is reported so that it is more comprehensive (i.e. narrative)
• Expand use of assessment protocols (e.g. portfolios) so that assessment practices are balanced; include more self-reflection, embedded formative assessment, criterion-based measurement (e.g. rubrics), performance-based measures (e.g. create presentations, complete projects) into curriculum
• Transform graduation requirements and the distribution of courses and experiences
• Provide professional learning opportunities

• A full range of measurement protocols that align with our expanding definitions of success, including:
  • Protocols that measure development (i.e. social, emotional and physical wellness), creativity, critical thinking, love of learning, and innovation
  • Student self-reflection of growth based on essential learning targets
  • Student surveys and exit interviews at each level
  • Traditional indicators of success, such as standardized assessments
• Assessment calendar that balances students' well-being, the need to measure growth and allows professionals to collaboratively and promptly provide feedback
• Evaluations of professional learning

Superintendent and Superintendent's designees

• Reduced standardized testing
• Closed achievement, equity, access and opportunity gaps
• Strong academic performance of students as measured by traditional indicators
• Student reports of higher levels of social, emotional, and physical well-being and of feeling empowered to take academic risks
• Multiple paths to success, before and after graduation, valued and celebrated by students, faculty and the community