ASSESSMENTS
IN OUR SCHOOL
LOPEZ QUOTE
Lopez sends a resounding message: “Assessment is not about you as a teacher; it is about your students” (p.97). He goes on to say that our reason for assessing students should be grounded in our commitment to use the information collected in a way that helps us generate greater success for our students.
SHEILA'S PERSPECTIVE
I totally agree with Lopez. There is an easier way to assess or go about assessing. It’s not about what you do, it is how you do it. Lopez example of this is taking his daughter to the doctor. The doctor knew his daughter was scared of a shot. So, he explained what was to come and how it would affect her. This gave her comfort, because she knew what to expect and what was to come of it.
CONSIDER THIS
Consider the 4 questions Lopez lists under “Defending our Assessment Practices” (p.98). How might you use these questions in your current or anticipated practice? I am not a teacher, but I work around them every day. For me I could use these questions in helping me get to know the children better. I work in library/media center and I try to assess each child to get to know them better. I want them to feel comfortable with me. I want to not only be there teacher but a friend as well. What value might it add to your practice by keeping these questions in mind? The value it might add is trust, respect and friendship
LOPEZ ?'S
1. In what ways have you succeeded/failed to make students your partner in assessment?
2. Why are you participating in the assessments that you use with students?
3. Can you share in explicit detail the value that you find in each assessment?
4. Do you participate in assessments that you find no value in for students?
5. Are you using an assessment you have no idea how to deliver, but are afraid to ask for help with?