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Jim Thorpe official says educational tool is working

Jim Thorpe Area School District officials on Wednesday night highlighted the successful integration this year of Classroom Diagnostic Tool testing as a pivotal step toward enhancing student-learning outcomes.

The CDT, Superintendent Dr. Robert Presley said, offers a comprehensive approach to assessing and addressing individual student needs across various grade levels.

“Unlike traditional exams, the CDT goes beyond merely pinpointing a student’s performance level; it provides real-time, diagnostic reports showcasing strengths and weaknesses, enabling educators to tailor instruction accordingly,” Presley said. One notable aspect of the CDT, he added, is its alignment with state-mandated exams like the PSSA or Keystone exams, ensuring that students are familiarized with the rigor and vocabulary they will encounter in official assessments.

“The computer-adaptive nature of the test adapts to students’ abilities, facilitating a more nuanced understanding of their skills rather than a simplistic pass or fail approach,” Presley said.

In a presentation before Jim Thorpe’s school board, educators highlighted the significance of sharing these results with students, fostering a sense of ownership and motivation to work toward improvement.

“Teachers are going to sit down with students and show them where they are strong and what their weaknesses are and how this will lead to an individualized instruction plan for them,” Presley said. “We have to show students there is a value this. If they don’t think you’re going to use it, why should they try their best?

Presley commended the collaborative effort of teachers, noting that while the implementation of CDT may pose initial challenges, its potential for long-term positive impact on student achievement is substantial.

“I know it’s something new and it takes away from instructional time, but the data that you’re going to get out of it is worth that time,” he said. “It will pay dividends if we stick with it.”