Skip to main content

Home/ OLLIE Iowa/ Group items tagged parent

Rss Feed Group items tagged

leipoldc

ollie-afe-2020: Article: Attributes from Effective Formative Assessment (CCSSO) - 3 views

  • Formative assessment is a process used by teachers and students during instruction that provides feedback to adjust ongoing teaching and learning to improve students’ achievement of intended instructional outcomes
    • tkofoot
       
      Everything we do is to improve student achievement. This helps us going future instruction.
    • maryhumke
       
      WE hear data driven decisions so often but this is a such a clear definition of why we base instructional decisions on data.
  • Formative assessment is not an adjunct to teaching but, rather, integrated into instruction and learning with teachers and students receiving frequent feedbac
    • tkofoot
       
      It is important to do this as students are doing work, having group discussion, and possibly by another adult that can step in the room. One person may observe learning or needs that another cannot.
  • In this type of classroom culture, students will more likely feel they are collaborators with their teacher and peers in the learning process.
    • tkofoot
       
      This collaboration is important. Students need to feel like they have respect and "own" their learning. I teach Special Ed, so I always give students a way to own their instruction and opportunities to improve.
    • maryhumke
       
      I agree. Not all kids are risk takers so when they feel supported they are more likely open up with the others in the learning process
    • ravelinga
       
      This is the direction I really want to go in my classrooms. It is transitioning my students from passive to more active learners. The part that I have work on is building the class norms and modeling them properly in my class.
    • Val Rosenthal
       
      A classroom culture where there is collaboration between teacher and students in the learning process would be so exciting. I think it would hold students more accountable when they are part of their own process.
  • ...29 more annotations...
  • Because the formative assessment process helps students achieve intended learning outcomes based on explicit learning progressions, teachers must first identify and then communicate the instructional goal to students
    • tkofoot
       
      This is an important statement. Students need to know the instructional goal. I do think this is missed. It is a good reminder for me moving forward. I feel like I do this, but what does that look like?
    • nkrager
       
      Agreed! However, I struggle to find that most students don't "care" about this goal unless you make it relevant to them right now. (And even with this some don't care.) I would love for students to buy in to what we are all doing in our classrooms and understand the bigger pictures, then they would understand the learning progressions.
    • ravelinga
       
      The communication of the end goal is something that I need to do a better job with. I think I will have better outcomes from my formative assessment when my students see there purpose rather than just me.
    • jhatcher
       
      My new curriculum is all about the I Can statements and reviewing it at the end, so this is very helpful. I agree with the comment above- Now to motivate the students to care!
  • Learning progressions describe how concepts and skills build in a domain, and show the trajectory of learning along which students are expected to progress. From a learning progression teachers have the big picture of what students need to learn, as well as sufficient detail for planning instruction to meet short-term goals. They are able to connect formative assessment opportunities to the short-term goals to keep track of how well their students’ learning is moving forward.
    • maryhumke
       
      I have enjoyed our course work on this. It has made me really think the steps between objection and assessment.
    • jhatcher
       
      I agree with you. The Progression diagram that I have made 2 different times has really helped me understand how to break the learning down. Trying to make sure students are achieving at each step is so important to their success.
  • It should help the student answer three basic questions: Where am I going? Where am I now? How can I close the gap?
    • maryhumke
       
      I will remember these questions Often feedback is just a general statement of good job. These questions will drive student with specific feedback.
    • Val Rosenthal
       
      I really like the idea of posing those questions to the students and make them more engaged in their learning and the skill of really knowing where they are in the learning progression.
    • emilysjohnson
       
      I imagine the learning progressions posted on the wall and when conferring with students, posing the questions - where are you now? where are you going? how will you get there?
    • Michelle Murray
       
      I think posing the questions to students would be a great way to have them do some self-reflection. That would also help the teacher to understand the students' perception of where they are and be able to give appropriate feedback. For example, a teacher might think a student is doing something well because they have evidence of that, but it would help to know if the student felt they knew it well enough so that they could replicate it in the future.
  • student- and peer-assessment should not be used in the formal grading process.
    • maryhumke
       
      I think this is very important. There are too many variables in peer statements and comments.
    • leipoldc
       
      I agree. Peer assessment is meant to help both students learn something new and reflect on their learning/work from a non-teacher perspective.
  • Sharing learning goals and criteria for success with students, supporting students as they monitor and take responsibility for their own learning, helping students to provide constructive feedback to each other, and involving students in decisions about how to move learning forward are illustrations of students and teachers working together in the teaching and learning process.
    • nkrager
       
      I want to increase this in my classroom so if you have ideas, please do share! :) I want students to feel comfortable with this process and care about the learning progressions we are moving through. I want there to be good peer feedback and not just students "jumping through the hoops" so that they themselves get better at the big ideas and collaboration pieces.
    • maryhumke
       
      I think this is very important. There are too many variables in peer statements and comments.
  • You must also relate your explanation to one of the properties we have been discussing in class to indicate the reason the steps were incorrect.” Again, the students know the goal, where their response differed from the criteria, and how they can improve their explanations.
  • Effective formative assessment involves collecting evidence about how student learning is progressing during the course of instruction so that necessary instructional adjustments can be made to close the gap between students’ current understanding and the desired goals.
    • nkrager
       
      These are only effective when teachers/students use them to drive the instruction further. It is not enough to just say that we are doing formative assessments but then disregarding the data that they give us. Changes and adaptions must be made to successfully move all students forward with the material.
    • bhauswirth
       
      I agree. I think this also goes with doing a pretest or pre assessment. What data are you trying to get and what are you actually going to do with that data to enhance your teaching and to adjust your teaching for your students.
    • jhatcher
       
      Really packed classrooms of students can make this so difficult!
  • A second important part of the definition is its unequivocal requirement that the formative assessment process involve both teachers and students. The students must be actively involved in the systematic process intended to improve their learning.
    • nkrager
       
      So important to build this process in our classrooms so that students take ownership of their learning and want to do better. (I would love tips on how to do this better in my own room if anyone has some!) :)
    • jessed44
       
      Getting students to consistently take ownership of their learning has been one of the most difficult tasks of my career. Intrinsic motivation is key, but by definition, it has to come from within a student There are things a teacher can do, such as offer freedom and choice, but this can be very difficult for students that do not buy in.
  • a process used by teachers and students
    • lwinter14
       
      It's important to emphasize that it is a process used both by teachers AND students. I think too often, students don't realize how much informaiton a formative assessment can also provide them and help them with goal-setting for future lessons.
    • bhauswirth
       
      I think that most teachers use formative assessments throughout their lesson plans and teaching without even knowing that they are doing it!
    • ravelinga
       
      This is why I liked the learning progression activity. It put the use of formative assessments front and center when creating units. Something I need to do better with.
    • leipoldc
       
      I agree that teachers have been using the formative assessment process before it was given a name. I think they knew they were doing it and because it is good practice, gave it a name.
  • These range from informal observations and conversations to purposefully planned instructionally embedded techniques designed to elicit evidence of student learning to inform and adjust instruction.
    • lwinter14
       
      It's always interesting to hear the groans from students if I announce that we are going to have a more formal formative assessment (such as a quick 2-3 question quiz) vs. the simpler formative assessments that I conduct daily in terms of having conversations with students/groups or thumbs up/thumbs down. There's this misconception with students (at least my own) in that if I announce we are having an assessment, it suddenly becomes more important than the daily check-ins.
  • The process requires the teacher to share learning goals with students and provide opportunities for students to monitor their ongoing progress.
    • lwinter14
       
      In my building we've spent a few professional development sessions on crafting student-friendly learning targets that we regularly communicate to students and that students can communicate back to us. We are working on how we can better have students monitoring their own progress at reaching those learning goals. I think it's critical that the learning targets are student-friendly so that it becomes easier for them to monitor their own progress.
    • Val Rosenthal
       
      The communication piece is key to pulling teachers and students together for the same purpose. I would love to continue on finding ways for students to understand the formative assessments and how they can help in the student's learning.
    • jnewmanfd
       
      Yes, getting students not to push back is key. I find that my students this year, shut down if I attach the word assessment to any thing. I think that they issue is, the educational system has trained students to think with a "for grade" mentality. Somehow we have to shift that focus to a "learning mentality". Is it possible to get parents to and students not to worry about grades and simply worry about the learning that can happen?
  • In peer-assessment, students analyze each others’ work using guidelines or rubrics and provide descriptive feedback that supports continued improvement.
    • lwinter14
       
      I think the use of peer-assessment can be really effective in helping students think about their learning and make changes. It's helpful for them to hear from their peers, and not always receive feedback from just the teacher. I think this brings up a good point, though. Students have to be explicitly taught how to provide helpful feedback, without it, their comments and feedback are often superficial and won't really help the student make progress.
    • ravelinga
       
      I really like this as a formative assessment that I need to incorporate more into my units. What I like is the students are now being more involved in the learning process.
    • jnewmanfd
       
      Have you had any success doing this. At the middle school level we have started pairing the teams together and we present and give feedback across the two teams. However, it is still not what we want it to be. We made a sheet with look fors and sentence stems to help students. We've even stopped a class of 60 students and told them that we are listening for you to us...(a certain sentence stem), and that helps a little, but it still seems a bit fake. I can't tell if we aren't doing something right or if the idea of it is just so foreign to them. I know that as a student we never did peer feed back and the best feedback I got from a teacher was a, "Wow, your hard work is evident".
    • leipoldc
       
      I like the idea of peer-assessment, but think it would probably work best when the students do not know who is providing the feedback nor to whom they provided feedback. It would require discussion and practice, but allows students to do some analysis which should cause more critical thinking of the work they too are completing.
  • process
    • emilysjohnson
       
      I think we still struggle as a system to view formative assessment as a process. Case in point, administrators in my previous buildings would ask teachers to bring their "formative assessments" to our PLC meetings. It became a tangible thing vs. observations, etc.
    • jnewmanfd
       
      I am glad that you brought this up. This whole process is supposed to be something that moves student learning forward and deeper and our profession to new heights. That definitely gets lost in translation when it becomes something forced. My administrators have done the same thing. The meaningful process becomes lost when teachers do it just because they are told to, or they are just going through the motions. I think that you are correct when you say it's so much more than a tangible thing, it has to be observational as well. We also have to get educators to see the value of it and using formative assessments to guide our practice.
  • Specific, timely feedback should be based on the learning goal and criteria for success.
    • bhauswirth
       
      "timely feedback" - students don't want formative feedback when they already took their summative assessment. Make the feedback relatable and clear. If you make the feedback irrelevant it is not meaning full to the student.
    • mkanost
       
      I do like using the language in the rubric to specify what they did well as well as what needs to be built upon to hit the success criteria.
    • jnewmanfd
       
      I also liked that part. I have a hard time with the whole specific, timely feedback. I don't always know how to go about doing it for a 150 students. I think that being more clear on the rubric might really help. Rather than focus on content I could include wording needed that help develop the skills needed to get to or master the content. I still am unsure how to effectively answer the where going, where now, and closing the gap questions. I wonder if students can be given a self assessment with a carefully worded rubric and them I can review those and make changes as needed. What ideas or methods do the rest of you use to meet the needs of the last three questions in this sentence?
    • jnewmanfd
       
      or rather the end of the next sentence, sorry
    • benrobison
       
      YES! This cuts out all of the fluff and gets to the heart of what we want kids to learn! Creating better learning targets makes teaching much more purposeful!
  • To support both self- and peer-assessment, the teacher must provide structure and support so students learn to be reflective of their own work and that of their peers, allowing them to provide meaningful and constructive feedback.
    • bhauswirth
       
      I think this is a great way to incorporate the rubric that would be used to assess the student. Peer feedback is one that could go really well and really bad if the teacher doesn't set the guidelines of what it looks like. This is a teachable moment in it's self.
    • jhatcher
       
      I agree with this statement. If a student can successfully self evaluate according to criteria like a rubric then they can have success with peers. Start there.
    • jessed44
       
      I have found that if I ask students to give each other a grade, it is basically useless, as they will just give each other an A. But if I ask them to comment and send back for revision, in actually work quite well. Qualitative over quantitative has been key for me.
  • In other words, there is no such thing as “a formative test.” Instead, there are a number of formative assessment strategies that can be implemented during classroom instruction.
    • parkerv
       
      Viewing formative assessment as a process rather than any one or a series of discrete assessments is critical in my mind for formative assessment to really do what it is meant to do and that is to inform instruction and improve student learning. Never too many reminders of this fact.
    • jhatcher
       
      I think the definition has changed a bit since 2006. I know my administrators include AFTER the instruction as formative assessment such as ticket outs and even quizzes. All still help guide teaching decisions but many occur after.
    • benrobison
       
      We use formative assessments in the in-person classroom multiple times within the class period. I have done some formative assessments, realized all of the kids were well past proficient (thanks to great background knowledge), and I moved on. In that sense, there was no test needed.
  • Using the evidence elicited from such tasks connected to the goals of the progression, a teacher could identify the “just right gap” – a growth point in learning that involves a step that is neither too large nor too small – and make adjustments to instruction accordingly.
    • parkerv
       
      It is important to identify those "just right gaps" for individual students and for the class as a whole so that time isn't wasted on things they have already mastered nor do some or all of the students feel lost or overwhelmed. Learning progressions in conjunction with ongoing formative assessment help pinpoint where additional instruction or practice may be needed.
    • Val Rosenthal
       
      This is one of the positive aspects of blended learning. I can figure out who has gaps and bring them in to work on the skills they need to improve.
    • Michelle Murray
       
      I hadn't thought about how an additional benefit of a well-written learning target is that it allows a teacher to readily know what the next step of learning is for students and let's them use that knowledge to help give feedback that is alerts the student to next steps in their learning, but that makes absolute sense!
  • teachers must provide the criteria by which learning will be assessed so that students will know whether they are successfully progressing toward the goal. This information should be communicated using language readily understood by students, and may be accompanied by realistic examples of those that meet and do not meet the criteria.
    • parkerv
       
      Providing students with user friendly criteria upon which they can self-assess their own progress is critical for optimal learning.
    • emilysjohnson
       
      I agree! Too many students aren't able to tell if they are "on track" because they think they have to get in the heads of their teachers. The assessment piece remains a mystery to them.
  • Formative assessment is a process that directly engages both teachers and students.
    • parkerv
       
      Student involvement makes the formative assessment process so much richer and teaches students life long skills that will help them think critically when in the workforce. I believe it also helps motivate students to do their best.
  • The teacher might first offer students a paraphrased version of that goal such as, “You will be able to judge the strengths and weaknesses of arguments in the editorials you find in our daily newspapers.” The teacher would discuss the criteria for evaluating arguments and then provide several examples of critiques of political essays. This will provide students with a reasonably clear idea of the analytic skills they are to develop and also provide them with the tools required to assess their own written analyses.
    • kshadlow
       
      This process really helps you hone in on scaffolding to move learning to your end objective.
  • With this kind of descriptive feedback and collaboration, the teacher clarifies the goal for the student, provides specific information about where the student is in relation to meeting the criteria, and offers enough substantive information to allow the student an opportunity to identify ways to move learning forward.
    • kshadlow
       
      Feedback throughout the process is so beneficial to the student. I think it is easy for teachers to skip this part or not notice they are giving it during conversations. Written feedback usually happens in those final assessments.
  • Helping students think meta-cognitively about their own learning fosters the idea that learning is their responsibility and that they can take an active role in planning, monitoring, and evaluating their own progress.
    • kshadlow
       
      I think teachers and students need to hear and believe this concept more. Once teachers buy into allowing students more o fa role in their learning, students will take on more responsibility...in the ideal world.
    • emilysjohnson
       
      Absolutely! We need to re-structure the classroom environment so that students don't see it as hierarchical. The teacher should be a guide in the room, sitting among his/her students. This way, students may begin to develop more ownership of their learning.
    • leipoldc
       
      Helping students see that the only way they can truly learn is when they take ownership for their learning is the key. We will never be able to teach someone who does not want to learn.
  • Students can use a rubric to provide feedback to a peer by articulating reasons why a piece of work is at one level and discussing how it could be improved to move it to the next level.
    • kshadlow
       
      This idea takes some of the worry out for students who don't want to hurt or offend other students in the critique.
    • jhatcher
       
      I think this will definitely happen. The more it is done, the better students will be at peer editing.
  • inform instruction and learning during the teaching/learning process
    • mkanost
       
      This is so important to decipher the difference between summative and formative.
    • jhatcher
       
      I agree! This is for the teacher and the students.
  • particular kind of assessment.
    • mkanost
       
      My first year or two, I believed that it was a specific assessment. The confusion between formative and summative for a new teacher is hard to grasp if you haven't been explicitly taught.
    • Michelle Murray
       
      I worry that in our district's attempts at the PLC process that teachers have gotten the wrong impression that formative assessment has to be proven through a specific assessment in order to facilitate a data-driven discussion. I believe that data can tell us a great deal about where our students are and how to move them forward, but I don't like the idea of it replacing ongoing feedback about the process.
    • jessed44
       
      This is an important point. Any, and potentially all assessments can and should be formative.
  • Students build on this learning in later stages of the progression to develop an understanding that people represent and interpret the past in different ways
    • mkanost
       
      An effective teacher understands that this must be built upon before students can learn new material.
    • jessed44
       
      Looking back at my early days as an educator, I did not do a very good job at this. In hindsight, I really assumed that students knew how to do some things that they obviously did not know how to do. I still find that I have to get myself to slow down and break apart tasks for students. I wonder how many other teachers struggle with this, and may not even be aware of it!
  • However, for students to be actively and successfully involved in their own learning, they must feel that they are bona fide partners in the learning process. This feeling is dependent on a classroom culture characterized by a sense of trust between and among students and their teachers; by norms of respect, transparency, and appreciation of differences; and by a non-threatening environment. Creating such a culture requires teachers to model these behaviors during interactions with students, to actively teach the classroom norms, and to build the students’ skills in constructive self- and peer-assessment.
    • jnewmanfd
       
      I think this is so very true. I fully think that we as a system we have to do a better job at promoting learners not students. Students do things for a grade. They follow the rules so they don't get into trouble. They don't follow the rules to get out of work or other outside issue. Learners however, they do the work to learn, even if it were not graded. They come to school to better themselves and they understand that they are there are doing the work for themselves, it's a passion of self improvement. The know the teacher is there to facilitate them and they understand that the person in charge of the learning in the classroom isn't the teacher, it's them, the learner. I hope, that through the formative assessment process, scientists seminars, and norms that I have developed, that I am beginning to foster more learners and less students. It is a journey that has forced me to become less of a teacher and more of learner myself.
  • A teacher needs to have modeled good feedback with students and talked about what acceptable and unacceptable comments look like in order to have created a safe learning environment
    • Michelle Murray
       
      As an instructional coach, this is a step that I frequently saw teacher's skip when they asked students to to self- and peer-feedback. Teachers assumed students knew how to give high quality feedback then were frustrated with the responses with students gave, often coming to the conclusion that self- and peer-feedback were a waste of time because the feedback lacked quality.
    • benrobison
       
      I find this the most important piece. If I don't model feedback, how are kids supposed to know what's going on? Without the modeling, this becomes an unimportant time-filler.
  • Effective formative assessment involves collecting evidence about how student learning is progressing during the course of instruction so that necessary instructional adjustments can be made to close the gap between students’ current understanding and the desired goals.
    • benrobison
       
      I would say that sometimes PLC work goes too far in this...there is too much data being thrown around, and less attention to actual teaching. Sometimes, the formative assessments are analyzed but the kids don't receive any feedback. If we want our students to be a partner in the learning, the feedback has to be provided to the student, not just for teacher use.
erinlullmann

Implementation in an Elementary Classroom (Articles) - 0 views

  • unlearning
    • erinlullmann
       
      This might be the "term of the course" as a lot of personalized learning is unlearning for teachers as well as students. This even applies to my job as a coach / PD presenter. Traditional professional development is a lot of "sit and get." Sometimes this is due to time and sometimes this is due to just doing what we know and we have been taught. I need to remember to "unlearn" my traditional teaching tendencies and move out of the box to try more of a personalized or inquiry based approach.
  • when she answers students’ questions straightforwardly instead of asking questions to help the students find the answers themselves, she’s actually interfering with the learning process.
    • erinlullmann
       
      This makes me think of Michael Bungay Stanier and what he refers to as "The Advice Monster." This applies to so many situations from working with students, to coaching teachers, to talking to your spouse. It is not a natural reaction to turn a question back around on the questioner, but often times the student/teacher/spouse knows the answer. They just need to work through the process of finding it themselves. And it is SO much better when they discover it themselves than when someone else tells them what to do or what the answer is or how to solve the problem. Here's his Ted Talk on the advice monster if you're interested (he's a pretty great presenter): https://youtu.be/Kl0rmx7aa0w
  • students to discover fundamental principles on their own.
    • erinlullmann
       
      "Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn." Did anyone else think of this Ben Franklin quote while reading this?
  • ...5 more annotations...
  • Thinking Maps, she continues, introduce students to the notion of thinking about thinking — of conceptualizing the thought process objectively,
    • erinlullmann
       
      In traditional schooling the teacher does the thinking for the student. When we turn the thinking over to the student, we have to reteach teach them how to be a learner (depending on how long we've had them in a traditional school system). What does it mean to be a learner? What does it mean to be a thinker? What does your thinking look like?
  • helping children gain active control over the process of thinking so they learn how to learn,
    • erinlullmann
       
      It's messy. It's unstructured. It's hard to plan for. It takes a leap of faith on the teacher's part to try this - to turn the learning over to the students. This would be a great time to invite an instructional coach in to your classroom to work with you. I'm sure that when starting any level of more personalized / inquiry based learning with students, it will be messy. Teachers will want to give up, quit, and go back to the old way. Working with a coach would be beneficial because you have someone in the trenches to help you, encourage you, trouble shoot with you, and help you focus on the end goal all while reminding you about the small victories that occurred each lesson.
  • Giving them directions all the time takes away from the creative process and imagination, which a lot of my kids are lacking,” she says, “because they’re so used to being spoon-fed information that they can barely critically think.”
    • erinlullmann
       
      This is so sad, but it's so true. How can we get curriculum developers, administrators, lawmakers, teachers, parents, etc. to understand this?
  • Play is, after all, the way children are wired to learn, especially in the preschool and kindergarten years. Most teachers know the classroom is the perfect place for children to play, but opportunities to provide those benefits are on the decline.
    • erinlullmann
       
      The kindergarten teachers in my building strongly advocate for their Discovery Centers time each day, which is essentially play time. The only allot 20 minutes or so each day for this but other admin in the district discourage their teachers from doing this as that time should go toward academic learning. The teachers in my building have to almost keep this time of their day on the "down low" with other K teachers in the district because not everyone agrees that it is a good use of time.
  • "How?" The short answer is: one step at a time.
    • erinlullmann
       
      I thought this article had a lot of great tips that could help the process of differentiating, scaffolding, and even personalizing learning easier. I have saved it to my Symbaloo so that I can quickly refer back to it when needed.
jhash84

Article(s): Self- and Peer-Assessment Online - 0 views

  • However, if they are to offer helpful feedback, students must have a clear understanding of what they are to look for in their peers' work. The instructor must explain expectations clearly to them before they begin.
    • cjd203
       
      It might also be a good idea for students to have either a hard copy of a rubric or a rubric embedded in their LMS , so they can reference expectations/objectives.
  • For peer evaluation to work effectively, the learning environment in the classroom must be supportive. Students must feel comfortable and trust one another in order to provide honest and constructive feedback. Instructors who use group work and peer assessment frequently can help students develop trust by forming them into small groups early in the semester and having them work in the same groups throughout the term. This allows them to become more comfortable with each other and leads to better peer feedback.
    • cjd203
       
      I think that this paragraph could be summed up by emphasizing safety in learning. It may be helpful to do some trust building activities before diving into peer assessments.
  • he process has a degree of risk with respect to reliability of grades as peer pressure to apply elevated grades or friendships may influence the assessment, though this can be reduced if students can submit their assessments independent of the group.
    • cjd203
       
      If submissions were kept anonymous or possibly reviewed by different classes/periods of the same section it my be more effective in reduction of inflated grades.
  • ...30 more annotations...
  • They also recommend that teachers share expectations for assignments and define quality. Showing students examples of effective and ineffective pieces of work can help to make those definitions real and relevant.
    • cjd203
       
      I think these two points are good ones with respect to self-assessment. Instructors need to lay our clear and concise learning targets/objectives for students. Also, providing examples of high quality work and low quality work gives learners an appreciation for where they are are going and where they are at in the process. Tangible examples of previous student work allows for modeling and a visual cue as to expectations layed out previously.
  • ‘Forcing’ the individual student to assess their own behaviour, as opposed to others is more constructive – it supports the aim of developing collaboration skills, along with the knowledge component.
    • cjd203
       
      Interesting self-assessment strategy. This approach definitely helps to not "rock the boat" in terms of assessment linked to group work. This approach allows for ownership and reflection of one's contributions to the collaborative efforts of the group. I wonder if there is any data that breaks down honest/truthful self-assessments when this self evaluation and team grade approach is used?
  • give students a practice session with it.
    • Janet Wills
       
      one of the things I always wrestle with because it takes time --but practice with new tools is always worth it
  • At first, students tend to create lofty long-range goals ("to speak Russian)" that do not lend themselves to self assessment. To help students develop realistic, short-term, attainable goals, instructors can use a framework like SMART goals outline shown in the popup window.
    • Janet Wills
       
      a process we all go through
  • Students do not learn to monitor or assess their learning on their own; they need to be taught strategies for self monitoring and self assessment.
    • Janet Wills
       
      always good to never assume students have learned something in previous years
  • A process portfolio serves the purpose of classroom-level assessment on the part of both the instructor and the student. It most often reflects formative assessment, although it may be assigned a grade at the end of the semester or academic year. It may also include summative types of assignments that were awarded grades.
    • Janet Wills
       
      it would be interesting to try this type of portfolio which could be pretty easily done via Google Docs
    • brippentrop-nuss
       
      This could be an interesting way to approach a final???
  • When learners are at a similar skill level.
    • Janet Wills
       
      this might be difficult to do given the range of abilities that can be present in one class
  • Effective group collaboration begins with a well defined assignment that has clear goals and expectations.
    • dulrich
       
      I think a rubric for student interaction within the group context could be valuable as well. We may assume that students know what "good" collaborative group behavior looks like.
  • Rather, students are looking at their work and judging the degree to which it reflects the goals of the assignment and the assessment criteria the teacher will be using to evaluate the work.
    • dulrich
       
      Clarity in the assignment criteria would be very important as well as modeling how to use the rubric.
  • Group work can be more successful when students are involved in developing the assessment process. This may include establishing their own assessment criteria through consultation with teaching staff. Alternatively you can provide students with sample self and/or peer assessment criteria.
    • dulrich
       
      Co-constructing success criteria can help develop student ownership of the process as well as improving the end product or outcome.
  • As a group, students determine what should be assessed and how criteria for successful completion of the communication task should be defined.
  • The instructor models the technique (use of a checklist or rubric, for example); students then try the technique themselves; finally, students discuss whether and how well the technique worked and what to do differently next time.
    • dulrich
       
      This reflection piece helps students figure out how they learn best. Often we teach a strategy, and assume that it will work equally well for all students. A journal might work well for me, but a checklist might be better for someone else.
  • Students
    • ceberly
       
      I am wondering at what age peer assessment becomes appropriate/beneficial?
    • jhash84
       
      I think that anything under the age of about 5th or 6th grade would maybe be too young unless the teacher has really shown what the students should be looking for, but a really good question.
  • a student may agree to work toward the grade of "B" by completing a specific number of assignments
    • ceberly
       
      Thinking about this from a parent perspective, I'm not sure I'm okay with my 9 year old deciding what type of grade they are willing to work for
  • Students can share their self-assessments with a peer or in a small group,
    • ceberly
       
      I'm wondering if this is an intimidating procedure for students who struggle? For example a student with a reading disability often struggles in writing etc. Sharing with peers could be a source of anxiety.
  • A well written rubric not only helps the facilitator score the assignment but it and can greatly increase the quality and effort put into assignments by giving students a clear expectations with knowledge that must be demonstrated.
    • ceberly
       
      Clear expectations are so important. In addition to providing a rubric, examples of strong and weak work are also helpful to demonstrate expectations to students.
  • their overall strengths and weaknesses.
    • brippentrop-nuss
       
      This is an awareness that is helpful to students. It brings about a sense of self-awareness that helps them in the learning process.
  • joint process for instructor and student
    • brippentrop-nuss
       
      This is an interesting point on collaboration. The portfolios I've completed for courses it was more more of an individual project. I really like this - it creates a dialogue to process the learning.
  • There may also be a perception amongst students that the academic is ‘shirking’ their responsibilities by having students undertaking peer assessments. In this situation students may be reminded of the Graduate Student Attributes.
    • brippentrop-nuss
       
      I see this as a common argument for the high schooler. The article points out some great reasons why this is almost more productive for the student to understand and improve on their own assessment.
  • developed set of communication skills
    • brippentrop-nuss
       
      All students can communicate - some elementary students are pretty blunt in their communication. Is there a level where this becomes more effective? Or is it more important to model the skills so students pick up on the process?
  • They were required to submit their self-assessments with the completed work, but their assessments were not graded.
    • brippentrop-nuss
       
      Really like this concept. It could really add to the instructor's ahas of the assignment. It could also open up a dialogue between the instructor and student if there is a discrepancy between grading on certain criteria.
  • lift the role and status of the student from passive learner to active leaner and assessor
    • pnbolton
       
      A colleague told me he has his students use the rubric to first grade their assignment, and then they turn in their project. I want to start doing this so students can justify/defend or change their work before they turn it in. I have always provided a rubric but a lot of times kids don't look at it until after.
  • Students will have a tendency to award everyone the same mark.
    • pnbolton
       
      I have found this issue of my students giving everyone 100% or being overly harsh on the students. I need to take time to teach my kids how to correctly assess.
  • reflect
    • pnbolton
       
      If i had to take a keyword away from my latest PD and this class is REFLECT REFLECT REFLECT. The students need to take responsibility of their learning and reflect how they did, what they learned, and how they can use it.
  • mature
    • pnbolton
       
      I believe learned needs to be open to feedback and know that no one is out to hurt or target them but help them grow in their learning
  • These students reported that their ability to self-assess depended on knowing what the teacher expected
    • pnbolton
       
      This is why clear expectations and rubrics are so important so students know exactly what is expected and needed.
  • by evaluating the work of their peers
    • jhash84
       
      I have used this method a number of times with some success. Other times it just turns into giving their friends a good grade and not actually giving any feedback. Have to be careful with this method but can be a positive Assessment if done correctly.
  • Students can become better language learners when they engage in deliberate thought about what they are learning and how they are learning it.
    • jhash84
       
      I believe that students can be a ton better learners when they are engaged in whatever the subject happens to me. When they feel a purpose it makes more sense to them.
  • Goal setting is essential because students can evaluate their progress more clearly when they have targets against which to measure their performance.
    • jhash84
       
      I absolutely love this concept of setting goals. I don't care what it is in, the weight room, sports, grades, ect. When you have something that you can see the progression in and that breeds competition that will creating success and harder work.
  • Contracts can serve as a good way of helping students to begin to consider establishing goals for themselves as language learners.
    • jhash84
       
      This type of things gives the students a clear view of what is expected of them
mhoekstra86

ollie-afe-2021: Educational Leadership: The Quest for Quality--article - 1 views

  • Creating a plan like this for each assessment helps assessors sync what they taught with what they're assessing.
    • travisnuss
       
      I have such a hard time getting myself away from traditional grading which I know has little meaning or feedback. I really like this example and hope I have the guys to use something similar.
    • dulrich
       
      We have had some PLCs write leveled assessments. Once they have decided a proficiency scale for a standard, then they have a question at the "meeting" level, one at the "progressing" and one at "exceeding". The tests end up being more time intensive to write and grade, but the teacher ends up with a real good idea of where the students are at on the standard.
  • For instance, if students will be the users of the results because the assessment is formative, then teachers must provide the results in a way that helps students move forward.
    • travisnuss
       
      I try and give feedback to help students improve and get better, but so many times get frustrated because many times the students seem to only want to know what they grade is and move on. I find it hard for students to use information to ask to get better.
  • A grade of D+, on the other hand, may be sufficient to inform a decision about a student's athletic eligibility, but it is not capable of informing the student about the next steps in learning.
    • travisnuss
       
      Seems to be the root of many of our problems where students worry more about their grade and how the grade will affect them rather than worry about what they are learning. Unfortunately in our school district, grades are the primary determination of if the students are learning or not.
    • dulrich
       
      I wonder if ultimately we are looking at a culture change, from chasing points to chasing learning. Not a quick or easy change for all stakeholders, but important!
  • ...6 more annotations...
  • summative tests, the reason for assessing is to document individual or group achievement or mastery of standards and measure achievement status at a point in time.
    • travisnuss
       
      I actually made my own changes to how I enter information in our computer recording software after I became frustrated looking at my own son's grades from the parent side and couldn't tell by looking at it what he was struggling with and what he wasn't. I now enter grades as units so it's a little bit easier to see what the unit grade as well as trying to make it more detailed then just saying worksheet 3.1.
  • formative applications involve what students have mastered and what they still need to learn.
    • dulrich
       
      I would add that formative assessment should inform the teacher as to the next instructional steps.
  • decision makers at the next two levels want to know which standards students are struggling to master.
    • dulrich
       
      Critical for Tier 2 and 3 interventions to have this information available system wide.
  • If we don't begin with clear statements of the intended learning—clear and understandable to everyone, including students—we won't end up with sound assessments.
    • dulrich
       
      Teacher clarity regarding intended learning has a big effect size as well according to Hattie. I think around 0.75.
  • Students learn best when they monitor and take responsibility for their own learning. This means that teachers need to write learning targets in terms that students will understand.
    • mhoekstra86
       
      My colleagues and I really take this to heart. Rubrics we give to students often times have check boxes available for students to interact with. If the assessment is a project, the student is given the rubric and we go over it thoroughly as a class. They are encouraged to use it as a tool.
  • Are results communicated in time to inform the intended decisions? Will the users of the results understand them and see the connection to learning? Do the results provide clear direction for what to do next?
    • mhoekstra86
       
      This is where my colleagues and I use consistently CFAs. Students are aware that additional learning will take place with an adult if their CFA score does not show strong progress.
tboeckman

ol101-f2019: Iowa Online Teaching Standards - 10 views

  • Utilizes a course evaluation and student feedback data to improve the course (Varvel VI.F)
    • anonymous
       
      I think getting student feedback is the only way to grow and develop a course
  • Aligns assessment with course objectives (SREB I.3, Varvel VI.C, ITS 5.a)
    • anonymous
       
      I am always checking that my assessments achieve what my objectives promised
    • ewilson_qgorxap
       
      With our math courses in Osage shifting to Standards Based Learning (SBL) this is necessary!!
  • Communicates with students effectively and consistently (SREB D.1, ITS 1.g)
    • anonymous
       
      Effective communication will help both students and instructors succeed in a course
    • ewilson_qgorxap
       
      Effective and clear communication is necessary in any course...whether it be online or face-to-face. I tend to over-communicate just to keep all stakeholders informed.
    • jhatcher
       
      This would be critical, so that the student know what he/she is doing well or needs to improve. I think the voice tool would make this quicker, easier, and be effective. I am going to start using this more in Moodle to respond to students' work.
    • suewhitlock
       
      Communication is the key in any working environment and essential with students in either face to face or on line. On line students may require more communication.
  • ...50 more annotations...
  • Assists students with technology used in the course (Varvel III.C)
    • anonymous
       
      this the standard that scares me the most - being able to troubleshoot technology issues will be tough for me
  • Establishes standards for student behavior that are designed to ensure academic integrity and appropriate use of the internet and written communication (SREB E.2)
    • anonymous
       
      My goal is to make expectations for behavior and the consequences if not followed - very clear at the outset of the course.
  • Identifies and communicates learning outcomes and expectations through a course overview/orientation (Varvel IV.A, ITS 3.b)
    • alisauter
       
      This is just good sense. We do this in the traditional classrooms, so it definitely needs to be WELL defined in an online classroom.
    • lwinter14
       
      Since I'm currently working on blending my classroom, I definitely don't do this as explicitly online as I have been doing in our face to face environment. It's definitely something I need to build into the online component.
    • jhatcher
       
      My District is pushing teachers to be very explicit about this! Has anyone heard of the 5D model? The first dimension is all about naming and explaining the learning that will be taking place. We also need to mention it as we teach and at the end of the class. I know I can do better with this.
    • tboeckman
       
      Not only do we need to identify and communicate the outcomes and expectations at the beginning of the course, they need to be restated throughout the course.
  • Understands the differences between teaching online and teaching face-to-face (SREB C.1, Varvel V)
    • alisauter
       
      Probably my #1 when it comes to importance. People think they are the same. They couldn't be more different.
    • lwinter14
       
      I am still trying to find the balance between what I move online and what I am doing face-to-face and how to inform all of the stakeholders involved. I think that understanding the differences are essential to meet all of the needs of my students.
  • • Tailors instruction to meet the different needs of students, including different learning styles, different interests and backgrounds, and students with special needs or whom are language learners (SREB C.7, Varvel V.H, ITS 4.c)
    • alisauter
       
      One of the reasons driving online learning is that it is more personalized to meet the needs of the students.
    • dwagner2
       
      However, it will be up to the individual to let the instructor know of difficulties that are being experienced. Communication is a key component of a successful online learning experience - including both the instructor and the student for success.
  • • Understands and uses course content that complies with intellectual property rights and fair use, and assists students in complying as well (SREB E.5, Varvel I.B)
    • alisauter
       
      Modeling best practices for all students, whether they are face-to-face or traditional, really needs to be a priority. Online students will likely have more digital citizenship opportunities than many other students. Teaching them and modeling compliance with the policies is crucial.
    • gmonat
       
      Patterns in lesson sequencing is very important so students are comfortable with the familiar format.
  • Creates or selects multiple assessment instruments that are appropriate for online learning
    • shannonboshart
       
      This is very important because I could see assessment types getting repetitive with online learning. I imagine it would take some creativity to continually rethink assessment for the online paradigm.
    • gmonat
       
      Multiple assessments is important so participants have a variety of ways to show their understanding. However, I think you can have TOO many different formats which can add stress to students.
  • Maintains an online social presence that is available, approachable, positive, interactive, and sincere
    • gmonat
       
      This is critical! Since your students may never see you face-to-face, they must feel that you are there to help them and are accessible in a reasonable amount of time.
    • jnewmanfd
       
      Yes, it can also be the most demanding one. With students doing things at various times of the day, you would have to communicate your "office hours" otherwise you might find yourself always having to be available.
  • Provides substantive, timely, and constructive feedback to students
    • shannonboshart
       
      In my experience, online tools make it so much easier to provide feedback to students. This feels even more important in the online environment where regular, in person check ins may not exist.
    • kimgrissom
       
      I agree. I feel like feedback is much more a focus with online tools. It IS the interaction. In face-to-face, we have a lot of interaction with students that isn't specific or personalized feedback but in an online setting, that changes.
    • ceberly
       
      The word "timely" sticks out to me here. If students are working somewhat at their own pace, it is important for feedback to be given fairly quickly so that any misconceptions can be addressed right away.
    • gmonat
       
      Timely feedback is very important as students want to know how they are doing and cannot 'approach' you physically to ask. Constructive feedback also helps students adjust their work accordingly.
  • Utilizes a course evaluation and student feedback data to improve the course (Varvel VI.F)
    • lwinter14
       
      This is something that I plan to do now that I am implementing Moodle in my courses. It would be interesting to conduct an online learning survey for students before and after having them learn using Moodle rather than Google Classroom.
    • dwagner2
       
      If I am not knowledgeable to use the system, I will not be able to effectively lead students in their learning. Also it would be important to use more than one avenue to be the most effective.
    • ewilson_qgorxap
       
      I'm constantly looking for feedback, although I feel my students are afraid to be honest with me, even when I assure them it is anonymous and nothing punitive will happen. I've tried Google forms and set them up so they do not collect email addresses, stepping out into the hall and having students leave sticky notes on the board...
  • Assists students with technology used in the course (Varvel III.C)
    • lwinter14
       
      I believe this will be essential so that I can help my students navigate between everything they need in the course. I often find myself double and triple-checking things in my Moodle course to make sure students can access them and everything runs according to plan. It definitely requires patience as well when assisting students with the technology.
    • jnewmanfd
       
      I think this key and sometimes the hardest part. For many students, this new territory for them. There is so much to learn about taking an online class, that it can be overwhelming.
  • 1. Demonstrates ability to enhance academic performance and support for the agency's student achievement goals (ITS 1)
    • shannonboshart
       
      Everything stood in this standard stood out to me as critical. It aligns logically with my schools move toward standards referenced grading.
  • 4. Understands and uses instructional pedagogy that is appropriate for the online environment and meets the multiple learning needs of students (ITS 4)
  • 6. Incorporates social aspects into the teaching and learning process, creating a community of learners (ITS 6)
    • shannonboshart
       
      This seems so critical in the online environment! Written text can be misinterpreted so easily, especially when the reader doesn't actually know the writer in person. Extra time and care will need to go into communication. Additionally, recorded videos could be a helpful tool to add a human element to online coursework.
  • Continuously uses data to evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of instructional strategies
    • Wendy Arch
       
      As an English teacher, data isn't the first thing I think of, but the use of technology makes formative checks incredibly easier. GoogleForms and other quick check quizzes make sorting those who get it from those who almost do and those who are still out wandering the corn. My struggle is not in creating the data, but in having time to use it effectively. The turn around time needed to make the most efficacy of formative data is often so quick that I struggle to keep up.
  • Selects and uses technologies appropriate to the content that enhance learning
    • Wendy Arch
       
      I think sometimes, we jump onto a new technology because it's fun or interesting, regardless of whether or not it's effective. I know I have done this in the past. Just because something is new and great, it doesn't mean it's the best technology for every situation.
    • kimgrissom
       
      This is what I loved about the Blend/Flip cohort. I felt like it directly addressed that by making the focus on what students need from us and then figuring out how to move some of the other things to digital.
  • Understands student motivation and uses techniques to engage students (
    • Wendy Arch
       
      This is where the "gamification" of classrooms could come in. I have not experimented with this strategy as I have some qualms about embedding even further students' seemingly already ingrained desire to always be entertained, however, there is considerable research speaking in its favor. Johns Hopkins University studied and advocated the use of Gamification in education: https://ii.library.jhu.edu/2014/05/13/what-is-gamification-and-why-use-it-in-teaching/
  • Creates a safe environment, managing conflict
    • kimgrissom
       
      This is key for any discussion thread in a blended or online course and it's something we really have to explicitly teach and address.
    • dwagner2
       
      It will be important to monitor replies to posts that are inappropriate in order to assist with this. However, managing the environment may be a little more difficult online as instructors may not know if there is conflict occurring if the student does not let them know.
  • variety of assessments that meet course learning goals
    • kimgrissom
       
      Variety is key here. The teacher has to have a good idea of where the students are in understanding but formative opportunities have to be much more purposeful. Plus, I think self-assessment becomes even more crucial in online learning.
    • jhatcher
       
      Yes, I agree that a variety of assessments are important. Students can also self-assess their behavior while online: motivation, responsibility (not on games), honesty and integrity
  • Demonstrates growth in technology knowledge and skills in order to stay current with emerging technologies
    • suewhitlock
       
      Technology is fast paced and keeping current is essential to the profession. Professional development in the district needs to address the current technology needs of teachers.
  • Designs the structure of the course and the presentation of the content to best enhance student learning, including using unit/lesson overviews and reviews, using patterns in lesson sequencing, and using appropriate visual web design techniques
    • ewilson_qgorxap
       
      I feel we should do this as face-to-face teachers as well. I know I strive to follow a pattern so students know what to expect. I'm a fan of the "I do, we do, you do" model.
  • Is knowledgeable and has the ability to use computer programs required in online education to improve learning and teaching, including course management software (CMS) and synchronous/asynchronous communication tools (chat, email, web 2.0, videoconferencing, webinar, whiteboard, etc.)
    • dwagner2
       
      Without the knowledge and ability, how will I be able to use this format to be successful?
    • mpercy
       
      This is a challenge when changing from face-2-face instruction to online instruction.
    • jnewmanfd
       
      I think you just have to give yourself time. Yes this standard is important, you have to be able use the software, but you can also learn from your students. If you start with a blended approach than you can ask your students face to face for support.
  • Has knowledge of learning theory appropriate to online learning, which may include (but is not limited to) age and ability level, multiple intelligences, didactic conversation, student developmental influences, constructivism, behaviorism, cognitivism, connectivism, and group theory (Varvel V.A)
    • dwagner2
       
      Giving students the ability to perform at the level at which they are at is one of best ways to ensure that students are going to be successful.
  • Knows and aligns instruction to the achievement goals of the local agency and the state, such as with the Iowa Core (Varvel I.A, ITS 1.f, ITS 3.a)
    • apforts
       
      Everything should be aligned to achievement.
  • 2. Demonstrates competence in content knowledge (including technological knowledge) appropriate to the instructional position (ITS 2)
    • apforts
       
      Content including technology is important. One is not more important than the other in an online environment.
  • • Meets the professional teaching standards established by a state-licensing agency, or has the academic credentials in the field in which he or she is teaching (SREB A.1, Varvel II.A)
    • apforts
       
      The professional teaching standards are important for access and equity of all students.
  • • Knows the content of the subject to be taught and understands how to teach the content to students (SREB A.3, Varvel II.A, ITS 2.a)
    • apforts
       
      It is content and pedagogy that makes learning happen for students.
  • Establishes standards for student behavior that are designed to ensure academic integrity and appropriate use of the internet and written communication (SREB E.2)
    • ceberly
       
      As we begin online courses it will be important for my district to view the technology policies that are already in place and determine if more guidelines need to be set. The words "appropriate use of written communication" stick out to me. I'm not sure they have been defines
  • Networks with others involved in online education for the purpose of professional growth
    • mpercy
       
      The best part of taking courses such as this one is to learn of the experiences of other instructors.
  • Understands and uses data from assessments to guide instruction
    • mpercy
       
      This is a focus for our district this year. To use our LMS generated data to guide instruction.
  • Knows the content of the subject to be taught and understands how to teach the content to students
  • • Sets and models clear expectations for appropriate behavior and proper interaction
    • ceberly
       
      As a PBIS coach in my district this resonates with me. "Pre-correct" or remind students of the expected behavior EVERY time- in other words, prior to each course, even if they have taken 3 courses prior.
  • Provides and communicates evidence of learning and course data to students and colleagues
    • mpercy
       
      This is not much different from the face-2-face classroom. Students, parents, and administrators want to see evidence of learning.
  • Demonstrates effective instructional strategies and techniques, appropriate for online education, that align with course objectives and assessment
    • jnewmanfd
       
      There are so many tools out there. I find this one a bit confusing. Deciding what tools are best for what what assignment or task, at this point is a guessing game for me. Somethings, I think I've been right and others I realized that I wasn't. I wonder if there is resource out there that offers a guideline for what tools fit what practice or task.
    • jnewmanfd
       
      I wonder if this could possibly help students work better in groups. So many times group works falls apart because middle school students get distracted and run out of time. Would online collaboration help with this?
  • Provides opportunities that enable student self-assessment and pre-assessment within courses (SREB K, Varvel VI.I, ITS 5.d)
    • jnewmanfd
       
      Still working on how to best do this one. It makes so much sense and yet I find it tough to manage in an online environment. I've recently found Edulastic. An online test creator that has question bank of questions created by hundreds of teachers on many topics. I'm experimenting with using it as a way to help students pre test and check where they are at in their understanding.
  • Communicates assessment criteria and standards to students, including rubrics f
    • dwagner2
       
      Students need to be able to understand and know exactly what their job is and how well they are performing while doing the job. Also, by communicating criteria and standards, students will have a further understanding of why they are learning it also.
    • suewhitlock
       
      Rubrics communicate expectations to students. Students can see what they need to improve on and are able to set goals.
  • Creates a learning community that encourages collaboration and interaction, including student-teacher, student-student, and student-content
    • dwagner2
       
      Collaboration and interaction are two very large pieces of the puzzle of employability skills that are imperative for successful employees. By providing students with the opportunity, we are further preparing them to gain and maintain successful employment. Students will work with people of all ages and abilities throughout their lives, so all levels of collaboration and interaction are important - especially online where one is unable to use visual cues to discern the meaning of communication.
  • Demonstrates effective instructional strategies and techniques, appropriate for online education, that align with course objectives and assessment
    • angelahiatt
       
      This is so crucial in making sure that we impact ALL learners equally.
  • Tailors instruction to meet the different needs of students, including different learning styles, different interests and backgrounds, and students with special needs or whom are language learners
    • angelahiatt
       
      This one is interesting because I feel like when done online it can be tricky due to the fact that it's harder to get that instant feedback from students.
  • Creates or selects multiple assessment instruments that are appropriate for online learning
    • angelahiatt
       
      This one really pushes us to think "is this meaningful? Does it reach my goals? Does it feel like it is worth the valuable time of the learner?"
  • Demonstrates growth in technology knowledge and skills in order to stay current with emerging technologies
    • angelahiatt
       
      A very powerful one. When we don't feel futuristic to learners we begin to feel irrelevant. We have to work hard to stay two steps ahead.
  • Has experienced online learning from the perspective of a student
    • suewhitlock
       
      Having this experience would allow the instructor to be able to understand student expectations and needs.
  • Continuously uses data to evaluate the accuracy and effectiveness of instructional strategies
    • suewhitlock
       
      In my position data is collected weekly. If the data indicates the student is not being successful, decisions about instructional strategies may be made. It lends for the instruction to be more student centered.
  • Selects and understands how to evaluate learning materials and resources that align with the context and enhance learning
    • swatts_
       
      I think this is very important. I have been guilty of grabbing something from the internet then realizing this wasn't the best for my students. What kind of PD is available for this? What OER is available that is aligned with Iowa Standards?
  • Demonstrates techniques for dealing with issues arising from inappropriate student technological use
    • swatts_
       
      This is an interesting indicator because teacher often resort to shutting technology down for students who use it inappropriately. More learning would be needed to help teacher use these as teaching moments.
dsnydersvjags

What Do We Really Mean When We Say 'Personalized Learning'? | KQED - 1 views

  • personalized
    • brarykat
       
      Personalized learning does give students freedom. Freedom of choice, flexibility of time, and what complete projects will look like.  
  • challenges of personalizing learning
    • brarykat
       
      I think personalized learning can be very challenging for teachers.  It could be seen as out of comfort zone for some teachers.  Providing training and clear expectations of student and teacher goals is imperative for personalized learning to be successful.  
  • leave little room for the kind of authentic, whole-child personalization
    • brarykat
       
      I agree with this statement.  It won't work unless a school district sees value in implementing personalized learning with integrity.  Time, training, and continued support for personalized learning to be successful.
    • Heather Whitman
       
      I agree that this cannot be done with integrity without a lot of support and training. I wonder what would this look like in math, gym,or grammar? I see this happening with more ease in the area of reading, science, and social studies that naturally allow research.
  • ...6 more annotations...
  • everyone they work with is on the same page
  • everyone
    • brarykat
       
      This is another good point about personalized learning. For a successful outcome, staff members need to be informed and commit to making it work.  It would easily unravel without a majority of the staff understanding and "selling" it's value to students, parents, and themselves.
  • “It meets the needs of an individual in a very standardized way, but it doesn’t take into account who that kid is.
    • Heather Whitman
       
      I truly think the majority of teachers over many, many years have believed this statement and want to offer more choice. I think technology has increased the ability to meet these goals. How about kids who don't read near grade level or with mental health issues? What does this look like in the elementary? I believe in this statement and 100% in the philosophy of it but wonder how it can be done at a large level.
  • control and compliance
    • Heather Whitman
       
      I think these are the heaviest words in the entire article. Schools need some kind of curriculum which by nature pushes more control and compliance. I think we need to really think this through. Assessment gets even tougher. How do you create a truly good rubric that doesn't "push" our agenda and control/compliance but allow students to meet our goals with freedom?
  • system of accountability
    • Heather Whitman
       
      I think accountability can be looked at as a dirty word, but it definitely is necessary. Results must be evaluated for improvement, refinement, and celebration, just as we do for our students. Often, we have fidelity checks by various people across the district, principals do walk throughs, we have TCLS in Iowa with walk throughs and diccussions with different people. What would this look like in an online world and how would people look at 30 different students work? When it comes to accountability, people are going to need to start looking more at the product and process and not be able to collect data as much on the fly as we can with more traditional face to face. How exciting...could we create some how to for administrators to help guide this?
  • it is clear that all children don’t learn the same way and personalization seems to honor those differences
    • dsnydersvjags
       
      Finally!! Someone at last admits that education isn't a one-size fits all prospect! Now - can we do away with CORE?
dsnydersvjags

PLE Articles - 2 views

  • Students can use their PLE to gather, organize and evaluate learning resources while collaborating and sharing with others.
    • brippentrop-nuss
       
      This sounds like a way to help students keep track of resources they use frequently. Sounds along the lines of a curation tool that has the added benefit of being able to share with others, so collaboration can occur.
  • Truth be told, I could stand to be more savvy in my own organizing of online learning and networking: I’ve been slow to use tools and develop skills for managing online resource
    • brippentrop-nuss
       
      This statement is 100% me. I've created Symbaloo, diigo, pinterest, etc... and never really go back to them for the educational aspects. I still stick to just bookmarking things. I understand the benefits of having a curation tool of some sort. What's the best way to introduce this concept and how to have students decide what type of digital dashboard works best for them? I wonder if the students are as digitally savvy as we perceive them to be when it comes to learning online.
  • The concept of PLE is not a way to replace classroom learning, but to enhance it.
    • Janet Wills
       
      this seems to be a mantra for anything having to do with tech too
  • ...11 more annotations...
  • The development of PLEs represents a shift in focus from teacher centered classrooms to more learner centered classrooms.
    • Janet Wills
       
      this is a dramatic shift for teachers-- you really have to get past the idea that everybody has to learn the exact same thing
    • dsnydersvjags
       
      It's not just the teachers. It goes so far outside our realm of control. The states have to be willing to allow the different curricula, the Grownups in the houses have to allow their students to learn different things and differently from the traditional. Grades/assessments have to be different.
  • Many students in the first class that tried Symbaloo today commented that they liked the clean, visual interface of Symbaloo and the ease of adding content;
    • Janet Wills
       
      I think of Symbaloo as a mix between Pinterest and Diigo
  • tudents engaging in networked learning have to learn to be more self-directed than in the typical classroom…
    • Janet Wills
       
      this is a repeating theme
  • In accepting responsibility for the learning process, students had to subscribe to news feeds and blogs, discern the value of social bookmarks, and set up the aggregator to manage all the Internet resources.
    • brippentrop-nuss
       
      I'd love to see how we get students to this point. Organizing and managing all the sources they come across would be key in helping students with their executive functioning skills. What's the starting point for this if they've never had to be in charge of something like this before.
  • Teachers are challenged to provide the appropriate balance between structured lessons and learner autonomy in order to facilitate self-directed learning.
    • brippentrop-nuss
       
      What does this look like? How can teachers scaffold learning to get to this point?
  • But as Drexler points out, we are in a new era where information is abundantly available and professionalism is far more about the effective manipulation– access, evaluation, & application– it only makes sense to reorient learning toward facilitation of students’ “active role in the learning process” and teachers’ provision of the right balance between structured lessons and autonomy; let’s never forget it is an ongoing balancing act. 
    • travisnuss
       
      I don't disagree with this statement, but as a generation that learned primarily via lecture, textbooks and test-taking and feel we were successful learning this method, we are drawn to also teach this way. Until we get better PD and support to change our instruction, this is going to be a tough sell to a generation of teachers.
    • dsnydersvjags
       
      Honestly, we need more buy-in from the Grown-ups in the households too. When their child doesn't come home with a typical assignment, or if they are shown a different method to accomplishing a task - holy moly!
  • students can utilize their PLE to acquire information using preferred apps and resources such as blogs, YouTube, Pinterest, Ning or Delicious
    • travisnuss
       
      How do we get students to do this on their own? When I try and get students to acquire information for different reasons, they seem to just type something into Google and use the first thing that pops up which is Wikipedia. Even with discussions about looking and evaluating appropriate resources, they still want to the easiest path, which is the first few returns when they Google something.
  • Not every student is ready for this responsibility, so teachers need to have strategies in place to guide and support these learners.
    • travisnuss
       
      I'm glad to see this statement in the article as well as the next one about teacher's attaining training be knowledgeable to utilize PLEs. I still have a hard time seeing personalized learning with all students in my classroom without redeveloping the current model of our school and having to deal with resistance of such a change from other teachers, administrators and parents as well as students. It seems such a dramatic change not just from what I currently do as a teacher, but also the way I taught.
  • Preliminary testing I did of Symbaloo under a “test” student login indicated it would function in a stable, normal manner in our network environment for students, so I settled on Symbaloo as my tool of choice for this spring.
    • travisnuss
       
      I've had experience with Symbaloo for other classes I have taken. While I have like the ease of using Symbaloo, it's something that once the class is over, I end up just relying on my bookmarks I have collected over the years in my browser for sites I use rather than ever going back and logging into Symbaloo. It also seems like my students like when I give them a list of websites in class instead of having to find their info. I seem to be able to easily link and list possible sites in Google Classroom, so I wonder, what am I missing with Symbaloo that I can't already accomplish in means that myself and my students are already familiar with?
  • A PLE is the method students use to organize their self-directed online learning, including the tools they employ to gather information, conduct research, and present their findings
    • dsnydersvjags
       
      I love the idea of this. I have a hard time believing that all of our students will buy into it. I see some students really enjoying the freedom and ability to do what they want when they want to. I see others who won't put forth the effort. I know that - like most things - the students will get out what they put into their learning, but how do we force the issue with those that don't want to? I know that in our current system we have these issues too. Do we drop the minimum standards and allow students who want to, to graduate and get jobs at age 14, 15, 16? We used to do that, even just 50 years ago it was a viable solution - is it still?
  • Teachers, she explains, are no longer the primary or even the best source of information available to students, and our work must increasingly attend to supporting students in developing their skills and motivations for becoming themselves networked and sophisticated online learners
    • dsnydersvjags
       
      Are we pushing ourselves out of a job? What will be the educational requirement for someone who 'just' needs to motivate and support students? I know lots of people who are better at that than I am. I know my content, but if they (the students) can find it (the knowledge) somewhere else, why would a district keep me around with my high dollar salary? (insert eye roll emoji)
Evan Abbey

ollie-afe-2020: Educational Leadership: The Quest for Quality--article - 7 views

  • The assessor must begin with a clear picture of why he or she is conducting the assessment.
    • bhauswirth
       
      I feel like sometimes we get caught up on we have to assess our students on all topics. One nice thing about mastery in certain topics is with math, math concepts keep coming up in chapter 1 then in chapter 3.
  • The assessor needs to have a clear picture of what achievement he or she intends to measure.
    • bhauswirth
       
      This also goes with the why am I assessing on this.
    • jnewmanfd
       
      I'm not sure that this works for science classes. In these classes, students are to be figuring out. They are not supposed to know what they are learning about until they have discovered it. I thinking that making the assessment clear at the beginning would ruin this. Now I will say that you could be clear on how students will be assessed. For example, you will have to support your claims using reasoning and evidence.
    • jessed44
       
      I often wonder where this argument fits with discovery learning, and other forms of self-directed methods. Are we constraining ourselves too much here?
  • "I can make good inferences.
  • ...51 more annotations...
  • "I can make good inferences.
    • bhauswirth
       
      Student-friendly language has been a huge part of our school district. Especially when dealing with many ELL and Sp.Ed students. Also, referring to the learning target multiple times throughout the lesson. One thing I could do in my class is to put the learning target on my quizzes.
    • nkrager
       
      I could also do this more/better. It does get challenging when you teach multiple classes if you want them posted on your board etc.
    • kshadlow
       
      I agree. I started adding hyperlinks to vocabulary.com for any words I thought they might struggle with.
  • identify struggling students and the areas in which they struggle.
    • bhauswirth
       
      This is a huge part for me in my teaching. I use our three question quizzes to allow myself to better understand misconceptions that I have over seen and to see what I need to do to better my students.
    • ravelinga
       
      Agree! In my economics class I do periodic checkpoint quizzes. These formative assessments have two purposes. One to check how well my students are understanding the content. And secondly, how well am I teaching the material. Sometimes the students are not getting the content, because my teaching was ineffective.
  • As a "big picture" beginning point in planning for the use of multiple measures, assessors need to consider each assessment level in light of four key questions, along with their formative and summative applications1 :
    • bhauswirth
       
      These four points are things that we do everyday. Understanding what I need to do for students, understanding what the information will tell me and where do I go next.
  • But NCLB has exposed students to an unprecedented overflow of testing.
    • Val Rosenthal
       
      too many tests; students get anxiety when taking a test
    • Evan Abbey
       
      I agree! Testing not only causes anxiety, but it can give students the wrong impression of their abilities.
    • parkerv
       
      Unfortunately over testing takes away from quality instructional time and student learning. What's really sad but all too true is that we are seeing over testing being pushed down on even our youngest learners, our 3 and 4 year old preschoolers.
    • tkofoot
       
      The concern of all my Special Ed students is testing. I teach them test-taking strategies, but they get to a test and can't use them.
    • jessed44
       
      I don't think the act of retrieving information is bad, in fact, research says it is good. It is the importance and finality that is often attached to it that can be detrimental.
  • the use of multiple measures does not, by itself, translate into high-quality evidence.
    • Val Rosenthal
       
      more tests doesn't necessarily produce good results
  • Students learn best when they monitor and take responsibility for their own learning.
    • Val Rosenthal
       
      Education has to make this happen more. I'd like to find a good way for them to monitor their learning.
    • nkrager
       
      Yes, agreed! We know that this true but we need to help build this in our students. The internal motivation is hard to build!
    • leipoldc
       
      Taking responsibility is the key to learning. The best years to help students understand and take responsibility is middle school. They want to be in charge and they need support to do it well.
  • assessment-literate teachers
    • Val Rosenthal
       
      I really don't seem to have a good background on assessment and would like to be assessment-literate.
  • Clear Purpose
    • nkrager
       
      The purpose is so important! I feel like sometimes we test just to test...and then send the results off to someone else. The kids need to understand the purpose as internal motivation is not always there.
    • kshadlow
       
      So important! I think about myself and the hoops we need to jump through in our lives without understanding the purpose. That purpose definitely leads to motivation.
    • jhatcher
       
      The purpose has to be tied to helping the students discover information about himself. How to improve? What has been learned? Then move forward.
  • Teachers have choices in the assessment methods they use, including selected-response formats, extended written response, performance assessment, and personal communication. Selecting an assessment method that is incapable of reflecting the intended learning will compromise the accuracy of the results.
    • nkrager
       
      All teachers know that they have choice in the types of assessments to give students but I wonder if we all really think through what type we are giving every time. Do we just give what we did last year? Do we give what is easiest? The fastest to grade? Things to think about...
  • This key relates directly back to the purpose of the assessment.
    • nkrager
       
      Feedback can be challenging as we all know. I tend to get frustrated when I have taken the time to provide detailed feedback and the students could care less about it, they just want to know a grade and move on.
    • kshadlow
       
      so true...
  • From a formative point of view, decision makers at the classroom assessment level need evidence of where students are on the learning continuum toward each standard,
    • nkrager
       
      This would go along with students taking ownership for their own learning....we would WANT them to want to know where they are at for individual purposes!
    • ravelinga
       
      Most of my formative assessments have been multiple choice or short answer quizzes. After learning more about rubrics, I would like to start using rubrics in two ways for formative assessments. One the students will do a self assessment on where they feel they are at. Then a teacher to student-conference with the rubric to see where they are at. With the end goal of making the assessment portion less stressful for my students, because they know where they are at.
    • nkrager
       
      ^^^ Love this idea! I hope I can get there also with some projects!
    • jhatcher
       
      I was thinking the same thing about rubrics that you wrote here. Students would hopefully see themselves moving on the rubric as they improve their skills /learn. This should be motivating and students would know exactly what is expected.
  • not only are they limited in key formative uses, but they also cannot measure more complex learning targets at the heart of instruction.
    • nkrager
       
      which leads to frustration...
  • Given the rise in testing, especially in light of a heightened focus on using multiple measures
    • lwinter14
       
      Although I would say this is definitely still true in the courses we teach (we still emphasize bigger, summative assessments), I think we have changed how we view student progress. Our summative assessments aren't all tests, some of them are projects or performance assessments. Those assessments are also no longer considered "one-and-done" opportunities. Students can retake assessments or make corrections, etc. to show progress in their learning even if they didn't get it right the first time. It's less focused on the final grade and instead, assessing what students have learned.
    • jessed44
       
      This is great. However, when juxtaposed with having 200 students like I do, it is not always feasible to have numerous projects and reassessments. How do we change the change the way that teachers spend their day so this is possible?
  • the assessment formatively—as practice or to inform students about their own progress
    • lwinter14
       
      I find this distinction between summative and formative assessment interesting. In our freshman group of teachers, we have a category for both formative and summative assessment. Formative is weighted at 20% and summative is weighted at 80%. So although in my courses we were taught not to grade formatives, we still assign a score to it and put it into the gradebook. Also, if formatives weren't graded, I wonder how much of them would actually be completed by students?
    • ravelinga
       
      This has been a goal of mine this year, to use formative assessments to help make instructional decisions in my class. It has been a work in progress, but I have seen some success. I use the information from the formative assessment to decide is it a small group that needs reteaching or is it an entire class that needs reteaching. I don't normally grade my formative assessments, but I go give them completion points. For the most part if a student sees they are not getting something, they appreciate the reteaching opportunity.
    • parkerv
       
      Too often I see teachers not fully use the formative assessment data they have to intentionally inform instruction. If done properly formative assessment is very powerful. I also like the idea of giving participation points for formative assessments.
    • tkofoot
       
      Some teachers give 0% for formative assessments at my school. The Science department has figured out a way to have labs count as a way to assess a standard. I think practice is important and should have some weight.
  • it's important to know the learning targets represented in the written curriculum.
    • lwinter14
       
      My school has increased its emphasis on learning targets this year. We are all using a 5D+ template to write unit plans and the learning targets are similarly broken down into knowledge targets, academic targets (transferable skills), and performance targets. I think that writing unit plans and sitting down and thinking about the individual types of targets has really strengthened the types of instruction teachers are carrying out in their classrooms. They are more familiar with the targets they want students to meet, and in turn, students are also more familiar with what's expected of them.
    • kshadlow
       
      I like the specific targets here. I guess I have been generalizing them for awhile. My plans would be better defined for myself and students if I focused on them more.
    • jnewmanfd
       
      Our middle school is beginning this work as well. We are trying to get a system wide learning plan template developed and going. Our goal is to help all teachers fully understand their learning targets and how they relate to student understanding. I know that all teachers look at them, but I'm not sure how many break them down to fully understand them and what students outcomes should be.
  • highlight crucial words (for instance, most, least, except, not).
    • lwinter14
       
      I also do this on other assessment types such as short answer. I've gotten into the habit of bolding things that I want to make sure students don't forget to do. For example, they may be required to answer a question but then they need to follow that with explanation or justification. I often bold the second half so that they don't forget to include the explanation, which often highlights their thinking, which can be more important than the first half of the answer.
    • jhatcher
       
      I do this too. I find this is very helpful for kids. Sometimes in rubrics when going through them, I'll have kids underline or circle key words instead just to force their attention a bit. It does help.
  • it is not capable of informing the student about the next steps in learning.
    • lwinter14
       
      It is SO important that our feedback is more than a score or letter grade if we want to emphasize progress and the ability to improve for our students.
    • emilysjohnson
       
      Agreed! And if the targets are clear and communicated to students, they should know what steps they need to take to grow! It shouldn't be a mystery!
    • maryhumke
       
      "Do the results provide clear direction for what to do next?"
  • The purpose is to inform others—policymakers, program planners, supervisors, teachers, parents, and the students themselves—about the overall level of students' performance.
    • kshadlow
       
      Wouldn't that be interesting if the "we" mentioned here were all actually on the same page, wanting and assessing the same things. A common purpose. Nothing like focusing on the negative here, but all of these people are being informed in different ways and gathering different data for a different endpoint.
    • benrobison
       
      The piece of policymakers is the most frustrating to me (and most likely all educators). I have always struggled with the notion that the people making the majority of decisions are not the ones in the trenches, nor do they have the background to make those. I have been pleased with the direction PLC work has gone as of late; I think this gives more valid work to inform decision making on part of the teachers.
  • Do the results provide clear direction for what to do next?
    • kshadlow
       
      Sometimes an assessment is just an end. Information is used in the next unit, but the assessment doesn't always tell the student they are ready for what is coming next.
    • Michelle Murray
       
      Yes, and it makes me wonder why so many of us provide copious amounts of feedback on summative assessments when students do not have the opportunity to do anything with the learning and provide less feedback on formative assessments along the way when students could actually do something with that feedback.
    • benrobison
       
      In the SBG system we use, which seems to evolve constantly, we don't really every get to a summative assessment. Kids are (supposed to be) constantly re-learning and re-assessing. Their results on assessment give the kids, and the teacher for that matter, a path on how to proceed.
    • leipoldc
       
      Our students are allowed to re-take summative assessments, so notes and conversations can assist in their learning (I guess they are not really summative then are they?)
  • Using data from these assessments, schools now make decisions about individual students, groups of students, instructional programs, resource allocation, and more.
    • kshadlow
       
      How much money and time was spent in areas unnecessarily? Data is no good if it is tainted. I am glad we have moved farther away from the traditional state testing.
  • better instructional decisions and improved high-stakes test scores.
    • aripperger
       
      I see some teachers more hopeful that ISASP, with its better alignment to state standards, will be a truer indicator of success. Other teachers, however, are still so jaded toward standardized testing.
    • jhatcher
       
      Good point! ISASP should be a better indicator of student achievement.Some of the best indicators are teacher formative and summative tests. These are still the most useful for teachers.
  • four categories of learning targets
    • aripperger
       
      This is a helpful breakdown of learning targets for me. In a core discipline area like history, it's easy to forget about performance skill and product targets. But there are definitely areas where these type of learning targets are present, and knowing those areas can help me decide how best to assess.
  • erode accurate results
    • aripperger
       
      Easy to forget about bias! So many other things take our time and attention when we write tests, that it's easy to forget about spelling, formatting mistakes, and other unintentional things that give students a clue as to the right answer in ways that don't truly test mastery of content.
  • Annual state and local district standardized tests serve annual accountability purposes, provide comparable data, and serve functions related to student placement and selection, guidance, progress monitoring, and program evaluation
    • aripperger
       
      One of our school's frustrations with the new ISASP format is that no itemization or further guidance is provided at the building/district level as to how our students performed on specific components of the test. Perhaps this will change, or maybe we're missing it, but it's difficult to program evaluate without this breakdown.
  • will be capable of informing sound decisions.
    • jnewmanfd
       
      I think this is an important thing to think about. How often do we really use assessments to make changes in our instruction. When I was a student I was thankful for tests. I could cram the material into my head and once the test was over, I could forget it and move on; clearing the way for new information. As a teacher, I realize that isn't the intent, but I wonder how often we still get caught up the type of thinking. Are we assessing so we feel better about moving on or are we assessing so we can make course corrections to support student learning and understanding?
  • Teachers should design the assessment so students can use the results to self-assess and set goals.
    • Michelle Murray
       
      This reminds me of self-reported grading. Hattie says self-reported grading has an effect size of 1.33 but it seems that it is rare for teachers to actually use it.
  • all available assessment methods
    • Michelle Murray
       
      This article focused solely on formal assessment, but I also think it is important to discuss the role and value of informal assessment opportunities and how powerful immediate feedback based on informal assessment can be in a F2F setting.
  • enable them to immediately take action
    • Michelle Murray
       
      One of the easiest ways to ensure that students respond to feedback is to design opportunities that require them to engage with the feedback and do something with the feedback, but this is frequently dismissed due to the quantity of standards and learning required of students at each grade level. Many teachers feel like they need to prioritize "covering" all the standards over students truly engaging in their learning.
  • Are results communicated in time to inform the intended decisions
    • jhatcher
       
      I have 140 students so it can take a while to get results back to them. I know the quicker I can get the results back in their hands, the more they care about their score and the assessment. They are more likely to want to fix mistakes and learn from it. If I take too long it has a negative impact on motivation. We have to correct quickly but correctly.
  • affect individuals and groups of students on the basis of a single measure is part of our past and current practice.
    • mkanost
       
      This is detrimental to English Learners-Kanost
  • assessments
    • mkanost
       
      Using data from multiple assessments can help determine where exactly a student is at in their learning. Kanost
  • cultural insensitivity.
    • mkanost
       
      This can really hurt our students with that lack background knowledge obtained in white, christian, middle class society. Kanost
  • clear and understandable to everyone, including students
    • emilysjohnson
       
      It is especially important that students know what the intended learning is! Unfortunately, too many students think grades are given to them by their teacher instead of earned by their work. When they don't know what is being assessed, this adds to that narrative.
    • tkofoot
       
      This is where it is important to have a clear rubric with student language. Students, even learning adults, need to have guidance on why they are learning so they can be assessed accurately.
  • Reasoning targets
    • emilysjohnson
       
      This is an area I feel like we don't capture as much as we should as teachers. It's the process over product idea!
  • appropriate balance of points in relation to the importance of each target
    • emilysjohnson
       
      I'm glad to see a number of items for each target instead of just one or two in order to get a better understanding of the learning.
  • Figure 2 clarifies which assessment methods are most likely to produce accurate results for different learning targets.
    • parkerv
       
      This chart is really helpful, I will refer back to it often. I like that it gives some of the rationale for saying it is a good match or not.
  • Specific, descriptive feedback
    • parkerv
       
      This is so important. Feedback that is too general, not clear and/or not descriptive enough to lead to concrete actions on the students part limit their effectiveness as an instructional tool.
    • leipoldc
       
      I agree. Providing complete and clear feedback in language the student can comprehend is key to helping them move forward.
  • Inherent in its design is the need for all assessors and users of assessment results to be assessment literate—to know what constitutes appropriate and inappropriate uses of assessment results—thereby reducing the risk of applying data to decisions for which they aren't suited.
    • parkerv
       
      The term assessment literate is a great term. Often is seems teachers don't get all the information they could from an assessment because they haven't sufficiently thought through this question. And then sometimes they are used to make decisions in inappropriate ways.
  • For each assessment, regardless of purpose, the assessor should organize the learning targets represented in the assessment into a written test plan that matches the learning targets represented in the curriculum.
    • jnewmanfd
       
      This is something that I have been improving on and is not something I knew about when I first started teaching. I actually used to think that a good test was a simple repeat of information that I told the students during the unit. I wrote tests over the "facts" that I taught them. Wow, have I learned a lot. Now in my PLC we take the time to organize the learning targets and make sure that our assessments match the learning targets in our curriculum.
  • The classroom is also a practical location to give students multiple opportunities to demonstrate what they know and can do, adding to the accuracy of the information available from that level of assessment.
    • jnewmanfd
       
      My administrator and I were just talking about something similar. We are trying to work on grading practices in our building. We both agree that students need multiple opportunities to show what they know and that assessments shouldn't be viewed as a one a done item that is checked off. We even got into the idea if a student is assessed once and gets a 58%, a second time and gets a 78% and third time and gets a 98% do you average all those scores, or do you think to yourself, "It took them three times but they finally go it, let's celebrate, here's your A"?
  • If we don't begin with clear statements of the intended learning
    • benrobison
       
      In our district, there has been a major focus on writing clear, concise learning targets as "I CAN" statements to introduce learning. These are posted throughout the lesson, and are written out on the assessment for our kids. In my own teaching, it has really focused my attention to the task at hand, and I've eliminated a lot of the fluff I had in there previously. I'm only assessing the things I want them to learn/do...not the extra stuff that just kind of happened.
  • Performance skill targets, which ask students to use knowledge to perform or demonstrate a specific skill
    • benrobison
       
      This is 75% of grading in PhysEd (well, at least our PhysEd program). We have gone away from sport-ed, and moved to almost completely fitness-based education. We grade on heart rate data, specifically time spent in the Target Heart Rate Zone. Our goal is to make competent movers to enhance health beyond the school setting.
  • they involve where and how teachers can improve instruction—next year
    • benrobison
       
      This has been tough to do when results from assessments don't come back to us in a timely matter. Side note: Not that PhysEd is targeted area, but I'm so glad Iowa isn't a high-stakes testing state. I cannot imagine having that pressure on top of balancing all of the other things asked of us. I cannot imagine teacher morale being high.
    • leipoldc
       
      I agree - it is so tough to improve instruction - next time when the data arrives after instruction has begun. This makes the need for multiple types of assessment an vital part of the educational setting.
  • quality and balance
    • tkofoot
       
      What does quality and balance look like compared to the instruction?
  • through the use of clear curriculum maps for each standard
    • leipoldc
       
      The curriculum map needs to ensure standards are addressed at multiple grades levels. If standards are missed at a level, this needs to be communicated so we dont create gaps in our kids' learning. Gaps make for students who are insecure in their understanding and hesitant to try new ideas. :(
  • The assessor must begin with a clear picture of why he or she is conducting the assessment.
    • jessed44
       
      Teachers and students are both culpable in this 'teaching to the test' mode. My students will often ask if something is on the test, and if not, they show less attentiveness. And I think there may be some implicit pressure on teachers to emphasize the assessments we are to give. It really is sad.
  • e assessor must begin with a clear picture of why he or she is conducting the assessment. Who will use the results to inform what decisions? The assessor might use the assessment formatively
    • maryhumke
       
      In a data driven world, which I totally agree with, the data is only valid if the reason for the data is clear and understood.
  • Do the results provide clear direction for what to do next?
    • maryhumke
       
      This must be the purpose for data. What direction will come from the results? Otherwise, it becomes busy work.
  • At the level of annual state/district standardized assessments, they involve where and how teachers can improve instruction—next year.
    • maryhumke
       
      Intersting it is not the same the same sampling of students.
  • Inherent in its design is the need for all assessors and users of assessment results to be assessment literate—to know what constitutes appropriate and inappropriate uses of assessment results—thereby reducing the risk of applying data to decisions for which they aren't suited.
    • maryhumke
       
      I think too often we are told what data to take but do not know why and don't have a genuine investment in the collection. How many teachers have been involved in taking data from an IEP goal and have no idea what the actual goal says.
  • No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
joanmusich

ollie-afe-2020summer: Educational Leadership: The Quest for Quality--article - 0 views

  • This key ensures that the assessor has translated the learning targets into assessments that will yield accurate results
    • jbuerman
       
      Multiple questions to ensure the learning target has been met. Should not be distracting questions that are not focused on the learning target.
  • noise distractions
    • jbuerman
       
      This makes me wonder about students that may be taking tests at home this year - do they have a quiet space for this?
  • teachers need to write learning targets in terms that students will understand
    • jbuerman
       
      Learning targets should be simple statements and not the big standard - for example, the state standard. Also parent friendly language through grading programs
    • joanmusich
       
      I totally agree! Some standards, I do not even understand what it is saying. How would we expect kids to get it? And if they cannot understand the first thing given to them for a new unit, they may be immediately turned off.
  • ...5 more annotations...
  • The classroom is also a practical location to give students multiple opportunities to demonstrate what they know and can do, adding to the accuracy of the information available from that level of assessment.
    • jbuerman
       
      The 'classroom' will be broadened a bit this year - I will have to be taking notes and recording online conversations to ensure I am assessing properly what a student knows.
    • joanmusich
       
      Up above it talks about "Who is the decision maker?" This statement really says that the teacher need to be involved with all decisions. It is very difficult for others to look at a test score and just make a decision when they may not even know the student.
  • instructional hours sacrificed
    • joanmusich
       
      And what about students just getting tired of testing. We try to assess their classwork and lessons. Then, there are multiple standardizes tests we make them take - in multiple classes. They get tired of testing!
  • by explaining why you think that will happen."
    • joanmusich
       
      Is this part of a check-in along the way? Or does the assessor have students go back and make adjustments? If not, will students take the time to look back at it?
  • Because classroom teachers can effectively use all available assessment methods, including the more labor-intensive methods of performance assessment and personal communication, they can provide information about student progress not typically available from student information systems or standardized test results.
    • joanmusich
       
      A teacher really needs to "see" the work of students. Just looking at scores that were automatically scored does not give a teacher the whole picture.
  • In such an intentionally designed and comprehensive system, a wealth of data emerges.
    • joanmusich
       
      It is very important that an assessment is intentionally designed. If things are just thrown together, there may be data, but the data may not be reliable or worthwhile.
« First ‹ Previous 81 - 89 of 89
Showing 20 items per page