Challenge

In 2018, Summit International School (SIS) embarked on a transformative journey to elevate its educational standards and student outcomes. Faced with challenges in reading and math proficiency, differentiated learning and reliable assessment data, the school sought a solution that would align with its vision of individualized learning and growth opportunities to provide both below-grade-level and above-grade-level students with tailored learning experiences that would address their unique needs.

Exact Path was integrated into the educational framework and embedded into the assessment schedule, making up 15 percent of the term mark for grades 1–8. Exact Path also helped close the gap between internal and external scores, offering a more honest reflection of student performance, and the school saw a significant improvement in local inspection ratings, moving from "Weak" and "Acceptable" to the 'Very Good' range.

Solution

After the initial success of integrating Exact Path, SIS continued to refine and expand its use of the program to further enhance student learning and outcomes in several ways in the intervening years.

SIS maintained Exact Path as a crucial part of its assessment strategy. Following the initial success, it has kept the program at 15 percent of the term mark. As time has passed, this plan has had additional benefits beyond the initial aim of empowering students to engage with the program. 

Ian Power, director of assessment, states, "Exact Path helped us create a safety net for the students. For those who are chronic absentees and those who don't do well on tests, that 15 percent in Exact Path is an achievable target. They simply have to spend the time on the platform and complete their work." 

This consistency ensured that all students, regardless of their starting point, had the opportunity to succeed.

Exact Path also played a vital role in building a continuous assessment framework linked with external NWEA® MAP® testing. 

Mr. Power explained, “Exact Path helps students get used to the vocabulary and format of MAP tests, ensuring they are prepared. The program included weekly challenges, ensuring students spent a minimum of 30 minutes each on English and math, continuously improving their skills.

Alongside the NWEA MAP preparation, Exact Path has helped foster student agency.

Principal Lee Dabagia described, "Exact Path ties students to something that creates independence. Once they make a habit out of it, it pushes their grades up and helps them absorb the vocabulary they need for the MAP test."

This focus on independence helped students develop essential skills and improve their overall performance.

Changing Perspectives and Receiving Recognition

From the parents’ perspective, having Exact Path throughout their child’s schooling changed their perception of online learning. 

As Mr. Dabagia pointed out, “The parents understood that Exact Path is teaching their children exactly what they needed once we put in the MAP scores. They are now understanding why they have all these resources and what the value of Exact Path is.”

Result

Summit’s dedication to individualized learning and continuous improvement has not gone unnoticed. The school has been recognized as one of the top three most improved schools in inspections in the region. 

"We were super surprised to be recognized as one of the top 3 most improved schools,” explains Jeffery P. Sykes, the vice-principal. “This recognition was attributed to our focus on technology, student-centered learning, and well-being,". 

This recognition was a testament to the school's commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment. The entire leadership and teaching team aim to continue the mission of individualized learning, equity, and the development of independent learners. 

Mr. Dabagia states, "We want to continue living out our mission of individualized learning. Exact Path aligns with the language we present as a school, providing equity and individualized opportunities for all students,". 

Summit International School's journey with Exact Path has been one of continuous improvement and dedication to student success. From overcoming initial challenges to achieving remarkable growth, the school has set a benchmark for educational excellence. As the school continues to grow and evolve, Exact Path remains a cornerstone of its educational strategy, helping students reach their full potential.