Integrating Traditional Assessments into Non-Traditional Learning Environments

By: Kendra Eboigbodin, M.Ed.

The Role of Assessments in Driving Learning

During our academic success consultations and tours, most parents with children in grades 3-5 ask, “Does my child have to take the test?” The test they refer to is the STAAR Test, a standardized state assessment in Texas used to measure mastery in reading, writing, science, and math. However, many parents and educators question whether standardized testing truly reflects a student’s abilities and growth.

Students with test anxiety or learning differences, such as dyslexia or autism, often face barriers to standardized tests, preventing them from demonstrating their true brilliance. Even neurotypical students may struggle due to cultural biases, lack of exposure to test material, or language barriers. The National Center for Learning Disabilities highlights how traditional assessments often disadvantage diverse learners.

Most microschool founders and educators have left traditional public and private school sectors to create environments where learning is driven by student needs rather than rigid testing models. Victory Creative Learning, a personalized, independent PreK-6 non-traditional private school in Killeen, TX, embraces innovative assessment models that prioritize academic and emotional growth for children with diverse learning needs.

The Role of AI in Personalized Assessment

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we assess student learning. “Microschools bridge the rich tradition of education with 21st-century learning opportunities.” – Kendra Eboigbodin. At Victory Creative Learning, we incorporate AI-driven assessment tools, such as i-Ready and EasyCBM, to provide real-time insights into a student’s current academic performance and progress. These tools allow us to create dynamic learning plans based on strengths and areas for growth, rather than simply labeling a student based on grade-level expectations.

By integrating adaptive assessments, we can pinpoint specific skill gaps and tailor instruction accordingly. EdSurge discusses how AI-driven assessments adapt to student needs, allowing for more accurate skill measurement. AI also helps in reducing biases found in traditional standardized tests by offering personalized questions and adjusting difficulty levels in real-time.

Mastery-Based Learning: A Shift from Performance to Progress

Rather than focusing on arbitrary grade levels, microschools emphasize mastery-based learning. The Learning Accelerator emphasizes the importance of using assessments to personalize education and inform instruction. At Victory Creative Learning, we assess students using our P.A.C.S. Framework, which includes:

• Project-Based Learning – Encouraging hands-on, themed-based, experiences to demonstrate understanding.
• Academic Planning – Developing personalized learning goals based on data-driven assessments.
• Creativity & Innovation – Allowing students to explore, analyze, and create solutions to real-world problems.
• Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) – Supporting students in developing self-regulation, resilience, and collaboration skills.

Assessment begins as early as preschool, where we track letter identification, phonics skills, and early literacy through engaging, multisensory activities. By cultivating excitement around learning, we help students develop strong foundational skills  and achieve meaningful growth. Studies have shown that low literacy rates correlate with poverty, high incarceration rates, and reduced overall well-being (Dugdale & Clark, 2008). For older learners, assessments such as i-Ready, quizzes, work samples, and project-based rubrics ensure that we measure growth, not just performance.

Alternative Assessment Methods: Tracking Progress Without Traditional Testing

To ensure holistic development, we utilize a variety of alternative assessment strategies, including:

• Unit-Based Thematic Learning: Each month, we focus on an interdisciplinary theme, integrating reading, writing, and STEM through hands-on projects.
• Portfolio Development – Students collect work samples throughout the year, showcasing academic progress and creativity.
• Rubric-Based Evaluation – Projects are assessed using structured rubrics that emphasize research, presentation skills, and critical thinking.
• Self-Assessment & Reflection: Students track their learning goals and evaluate their progress, building autonomy and accountability.

A great example of this is our solar system unit. Instead of requiring students to memorize planetary facts for a test, they choose a planet, conduct research, create a 3D model, and present their findings. This project-based approach not only deepens understanding but also develops public speaking and problem-solving skills. This hands-on approach aligns with PBLWorks research on project-based learning effectiveness.

Celebrating Small Wins & Documenting Growth

Parents often ask, What curriculum do you use? Unlike traditional schools that implement a one-size-fits-all curriculum, Victory Creative Learning develops personalized education plans (PEPs) for every student.

Through our A.C.E. Model, we assess each child’s:

1. Abilities & Learning Styles – Identifying strengths and areas needing support.
2. Current Academic Performance – Using data-driven tools to create personalized learning goals.
3. Emotional & Social Development – Ensuring the learning environment supports the whole child.

Each month, parents receive personalized education plans and quarterly progress reports detailing academic achievements, social-emotional growth, and learning goals. At the end of the year, we provide a comprehensive portfolio, showcasing student projects, assessments, and growth milestones. 

The Future of Assessment in Microschools

Microschools are pioneering a shift in how we measure student success. By moving beyond standardized testing and embracing mastery-based learning, AI-driven insights, and alternative assessment strategies, we can create equitable, innovative learning environments where all students thrive.

As we continue to challenge traditional educational models, we must ask ourselves: Are we measuring what truly matters? At Victory Creative Learning, our answer is clear—assessment should empower, not limit, a child’s potential.

Kendra Eboigbodin, M.Ed. is the Founder, Victory Creative Learning and Victory Private School

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