Beyond Test Scores
State assessments offer important academic insights, but traditional metrics often overlook the experiences behind the numbers.At Parsec Education, we think that student feedback is key to improving education results.
Recently, Babatunde Ilori sat down with Lisa Thompson, Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Accountability at Sage Oak Charter Schools. Their conversation showed how Sage Oak used student feedback from a Real campaign. They wanted to understand a puzzling result: many students took state tests, but performance dropped slightly.
To better understand the context of this feedback, it’s helpful to first look at who Sage Oak serves:
Why Student Perception Data Matters
Standardized tests are used across the country to measure how well students are doing in school. But these tests don’t always show how students feel during the testing experience. At Sage Oak Charter Schools, leaders like Lisa Thompson wanted to dig deeper. They wanted to understand more than just the test scores. They wanted to know the why behind them.
Even though many students were showing up and participating in the state assessments, the scores had slightly dropped. This raised important questions:
- Why were scores going down if participation was high?
- Were students feeling prepared, supported, and confident?
- Was there something in the test experience that could be improved?
To find out, Sage Oak launched a Real campaign, a student feedback tool from Parsec Education, right after the state assessments. This timing was key. Students were able to reflect while the experience was still fresh in their minds. The response was strong, with thousands of students across the district sharing their thoughts.
What Students Shared
The feedback confirmed some things Sage Oak leaders had suspected and revealed new insights too. Many students said they felt encouraged and supported by their teachers on test day. That emotional support helped them feel more ready to take the tests.
But students also asked for more focused preparation. They wanted to know exactly what kinds of questions would be on the test and how to study for them. Some students pointed out that certain math topics were not covered in their lessons, which made those test sections difficult.
Technology was another theme that stood out. While most teachers gave students practice time using testing platforms, the feedback showed that this was not consistent in every class. As a result, some students did not feel confident using the technology, which added stress. This helped Sage Oak realize they needed to make sure every student received the same level of preparation, especially with tech tools.
Tackling Test Anxiety with Familiarity
One of the biggest takeaways from the student feedback was how much technology familiarity impacts confidence. Lisa Thompson emphasized that helping students understand what to expect, especially with performance tasks, can make a big difference in reducing test anxiety.
To address this, Sage Oak added more tech practice opportunities during regular learning periods. By using the platforms ahead of time and getting familiar with the test format, students can feel more prepared and less anxious on test day.
Participation Was Already Strong
One thing Sage Oak did not need to worry about was participation. The school already has a strong testing culture. According to Parsec Education’s Blue Green Report, Sage Oak ranks fourth out of 80 K–12 charter school systems in California. The report looks at how many student groups, such as English learners, students with disabilities, and other underserved populations, achieve Blue or Green scores on the California Dashboard.
At Sage Oak, 68 percent of student groups meet that mark. This shows that their approach is not only high-performing but also inclusive. It reflects the school’s commitment to hearing every voice and helping every student succeed.
As Lisa shared, “We take pride in being a listening culture. When people feel their opinion matters, they share more.” That mindset is at the heart of Sage Oak’s success with student feedback and beyond.
Lessons for Other Schools
Sage Oak Charter Schools provides a powerful example for education leaders looking to improve state assessments using student voice. Their story shows that test scores alone do not capture the full student experience. Behind every number is a story—and that story can often be uncovered through thoughtful, timely student feedback.
When a school sees a shift in performance, the first step should not be to assume students did not try hard enough or that instruction was lacking. Instead, educators should explore the why behind the data. Sage Oak leaders used perception data to identify what students needed to feel more confident, prepared, and supported during testing.
Here are three key takeaways from Sage Oak’s data-driven approach:
- Dig deeper into the data. A drop in test scores doesn’t always mean students are learning less. It might reflect confusion, anxiety, or lack of relevance. Student voice can reveal what is really going on and help schools respond in meaningful ways.
- Act quickly and intentionally. Timing matters. By launching a Real campaign immediately after state assessments, Sage Oak captured honest reflections while students’ experiences were still fresh. This allowed the school to identify gaps and adjust strategies before the next testing cycle.
- Follow through on feedback. Collecting student perception data is only the beginning. Real impact happens when schools use that feedback to make visible, meaningful changes. When students see their input leads to action, they are more likely to stay engaged and feel valued.
Start Listening to Students
If your school or district is ready to improve assessment strategies and boost student outcomes, the first step is listening. Student voice in education is more than a trend—it is a powerful tool for shaping how assessments are designed, delivered, and understood.
Here are five practical ways to begin using student feedback in your state assessment process:
- Survey students after testing. Ask questions that matter. Use tools like Parsec Real and Parsec Analytics to gather feedback about preparation, test anxiety, clarity of content, and overall experience.
- Analyze feedback by grade level or subgroup. Disaggregate results to find trends among different student populations, such as English learners, students with disabilities, or economically disadvantaged students.
- Tailor test prep to actual student needs. Use perception data to identify which concepts students feel unprepared for. Address those areas directly in the classroom and through review sessions.
- Create a culture of listening. Let students and families know that their input is being used to improve the testing experience. Share updates and changes driven by feedback to build trust and transparency.
- Use education technology to scale. Platforms like Parsec Real and Parsec Analytics allow districts to gather, analyze, and act on feedback across multiple schools. This streamlines the process and ensures consistent improvements systemwide.
Let’s Build Better Assessments Together
The future of state assessments will not be built on scores alone. It will be shaped by student voice, emotional readiness, and the willingness of school systems to adapt based on what students share. Schools that prioritize student experience alongside academic data are more likely to improve outcomes, increase engagement, and reduce testing anxiety.
If you’re ready to take a more student-centered approach to assessments, Parsec Education is here to help.
👉 Book a demo and discover how our tools can help you collect, understand, and act on student feedback—at scale.
