From Clarity to Action: Building a 6–12 Assessment and Learning
System in a Rural School

Learning Presentation
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Handouts

Audience:
District leaders, principals, curriculum directors, instructional coaches, teacher leaders, and middle/high school educators interested in strengthening assessment and learning systems in rural schools.


DESCRIPTION:

‍ ‍Rural schools are often asked to do more with less while ensuring high levels of learning for every student. Spring Valley Middle/High School has partnered with CESA 11 to strengthen assessment literacy and create a coherent 6–12 system focused on teaching, learning, and student success. In the 2021-22 school year, Spring Valley ranked 168th out of 421 districts in Wisconsin. Through intentional systemic assessment practices, Spring Valley now ranks 48th in the state. 

This session will share our journey from disconnected assessment practices to a unified framework grounded in essential standards, learning intentions, success criteria, high-quality assessments, and collaborative PLC processes. Presenters will discuss both the successes and challenges of implementing this work in a rural setting and how building common language around learning transformed instructional conversations.

Participants will explore practical strategies for identifying essential standards, improving assessment quality, facilitating meaningful data discussions, and using assessment information to drive instructional decisions. Examples of tools, protocols, and structures used at Spring Valley will be shared throughout the session.

Whether districts are beginning their assessment journey or refining existing systems, attendees will leave with actionable ideas and resources that can be adapted to meet the unique needs of rural schools.

PRESENTER: Kyle Polzin - Educational Consultant at CESA 11, located in Turtle Lake, WI.

Kyle Polzin: Kyle Polzin brings more than 10 years of rural Northern Wisconsin classroom experience to his role as an Educational Consultant at CESA 11, located in Turtle Lake, WI. Deeply rooted in rural education, Kyle understands the unique challenges and opportunities local districts face. His diverse portfolio includes leading CESA 11 professional networks, serving as the Gifted and Talented Coordinator, an AI consultant, and contributing to the Comprehensive School Mental Health system team. Additionally, through his work with the DPI Assessment Project Initiative, Kyle helps educators bridge the gap between innovative technology, strategic assessment, and student success. 

PRESENTER: Chris Segerstrom - Spring Valley MS/HS Principal

Chris Segerstrom is an educational leader with 19 years of experience in public education, including 13 years as a middle and high school principal and six years as a middle school teacher. He currently serves as the MS/HS Principal for the School District of Spring Valley in Wisconsin.

Chris believes that all students can learn and achieve at high levels when schools provide strong relationships, effective systems, and high-quality instruction. His leadership focuses on building collaborative cultures through the Professional Learning Community (PLC) process, developing staff capacity, and ensuring every learner has the opportunity to succeed.

PRESENTER: Amy Webb is an educational leader - including roles as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, interventionist, reading specialist, and curriculum leader.

Amy Webb is an educational leader with more than 16 years of experience in public education, including roles as a classroom teacher, instructional coach, interventionist, reading specialist, and curriculum leader. She currently serves as the Director of Curriculum and Instruction and District Reading Specialist for the School District of Spring Valley in Wisconsin, where she helps lead districtwide systems of instruction, intervention, and student support.

Amy has worked in districts of different sizes and brings that perspective to building practical, sustainable systems that work for rural schools. Her work focuses on helping educators connect standards, assessment, instruction, and intervention so that every district, no matter its size or resources, has a clear path toward meaningful student growth.