NWEA

 By Javin Martinez

​The Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) is a test that takes place at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year. The reason why students take this test is to monitor their growth and progression. Teachers can identify the weaknesses in both instructions and in students by these measurements offered through NWEA testing.

This test can help teachers improve their ways of instructing as well as show the district if their students are at the level of knowledge they expect them to be. It’s an assessment to improve the district and its way of teaching and managing.

Although NWEA is a necessary component of school, a lot of students and teachers have mixed opinions about the test. Olivia Foster, junior stated, “I think NWEA is very time-consuming to do. I think it helps teachers and the district know things but they should try making it smaller so it doesn't take as long.” Students such as Foster view the test as time-consuming as well as an inconvenience to their education. On the other hand, teachers view the test as worthwhile and a needed progress check for them and their students. Janae Gribble, a science teacher stated, “I think it's a good way of tracking students' progress and for teachers to see how they're doing.” 

Clearly, students and teachers have different opinions on NWEA, but as a matter of fact, NWEA provides valuable information for both teachers and the district, and changing the process now would be negative for the district.