This year, many of our teachers have been working with a new assessment tool called Firefly, and we're excited about how it's helping us better support each student's learning journey.
Think of Firefly as a GPS for your child's academic progress. Just like a GPS helps you navigate by showing where you are and the best route to your destination, Firefly helps teachers understand what your child has mastered and where they might need some extra support—all before the state tests in the spring.
Our teachers have jumped in enthusiastically, taking time to learn the platform and discover how to use the information to strengthen their instruction. They've been collaborating with principals and guidance counselors to make the most of what these assessments reveal about student learning. In fact, our teachers are using Firefly in several practical ways:
Early identification and support - Rather than waiting until spring state tests, teachers can identify students who might benefit from extra help early in the year, giving us time to provide targeted support.
Personalized instruction - The assessments show teachers exactly which skills each student has mastered and which ones need more practice, allowing them to tailor instruction to meet individual needs during small-group time, WIN time (at the elementary level), and tutorial periods (at the secondary level).
Tracking growth over time - By comparing results from fall, winter, and spring, teachers can see how your child is progressing and whether the support strategies we're using are working.
Better communication with families - These assessments give us concrete information to share with you about your child's progress and realistic expectations for state testing, helping us work together to support your child's success.
Special education planning - For students with IEPs, this data helps refine goals and ensure accommodations are meeting each student's specific needs.
Our teachers will continue learning more about Firefly during professional development sessions, and they're already finding creative ways to use this information to strengthen their teaching. We're grateful for their dedication to using every tool available to help our students succeed.
If you have questions about Firefly or your child's progress, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher, principal, or guidance counselor!