Tracking Student Progress

Research has shown that some teaching strategies are more beneficial than others as it pertains to the effect on student learning.  The strategy shown to have the most positive impact on student learning is "Tracking Student Progress."  Students rarely have the chance to observe their progress toward a specific learning goal over a period of time.  By tracking their progress, students observe their improving scores, and can interact with the teacher about the reasons for their progress.


We recognize that teaching is as much an art as it is a science. Evey student is unique, so we can't know how each will respond to the lessons, interventions, programs, or our strategies, either now or in the future.  However, Marzano's Learning Sciences Institute studies the effects of nearly every teaching strategy, and has identified this as having the biggest impact on student learning.  Here's a sample/template chart for tracking student progress taken from Marzano materials:

Notice that this score sheet is for the students to use themselves.  On the graph, the y axis is a 0-4 student scale.  The x axis is for the dates the progress toward the learning goal is monitored.  A student scale would also accompany this chart.  The student scale indicates the level of competency achieved.  The chart and scale can then be kept together in a student folder throughout the year along with several other scales and charts for other identified learning goals.

Betsie Valley 2nd Grade Teacher Asa Kelly Leads Benzie Central Boys Cross Country to State Championship

Congrats Asa, Michigan's 2013 Coach of the Year!

Articles you might be interested in:

When Students Track Their Progress - Marzano article from ACSD

Prepared Student Scales Based on Common Core Standards - Must have iObserve password

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