ASSESSMENT
No Excuses University
“Assessment is not about you as a teacher; it is about your students”
Information from assessments helps teachers determine which instructional approaches are best for certain students, what their students may already know about a given topic, and what subjects needs to be retaught.
The information gathered from assessments should be used to guide your instruction; poor performance on tested material provides educators the opportunity to review the material and adjust teaching methods.
DEFENDING OUR ASSESSMENT PRACTICES
- Why are you participating in the assessments that you use with students?
*If you cant explain why you're teaching or evaluating something, it should not be in your lesson plan.
2. Can you share in explicit detail the value that you find in each assessment?
*Providing students with real-world application as to why this information is important increases engagement and "buy in".
3. Do you participate in assessments that you find no value in for students?
*Unfortunately, yes. School and district assessments are required, even though little or no change or follow through comes from the results.
4. Are you using an assessment you have no idea how to deliver, but are afraid to ask for help with?
*No.
Personal Failure
I really liked the brief conversation Lopez mentioned that he has with his students prior to each major evaluation:
Miguel, this is an IRI assessment that helps me know what level you are at as a reader. As you can see, you have a copy and I have a copy. As you read aloud, you’ll see me making notes, but don’t worry; I’m not interested in giving you a grade for a report card. I simply want to know your strengths as a reader and also ways that I can help you become better. The test will only take about three minutes. When we’re done, I’ll share your level with you, and we’ll make sure to pick out some books that are perfect for you as a reader. Sound good?”
I think this is an excellent area of opportunity to calm the nerves of the student being evaluated, as well as increase engagement in the process. Explaining the "why behind the what" is important for encouraging students effort for the process.