As a math consultant, I am often faced with the challenge of improving standardized test scores. My initial response is always to facilitate lessons centered deeply in constructivism, providing lots of meaningful moments where students can begin to see themselves as capable mathematicians. I am a
Part 1: Developing Learning Progressions There are many differences between elementary and secondary teachers in terms of the challenges they face in supporting their students to learn at the highest levels. Elementary Teachers Diagnose—Secondary Teachers Prescribe Elementary teachers face different challenges than their secondary counterparts. For example, they
With the current focus on standards and high-stakes testing, never has assessment been a more important issue. In February, we’re bringing together some of the brightest minds in education to discuss what the role of assessment should be—and how to get there. If you want to
The Beginning A native Californian, 22 years old, straight out of college with a minor in education, I wanted to teach! The year was 1970 and Chicago Public Schools was in need of teachers, so that’s where my orange VW bug took me. Having no student-teaching
In our July 29 post, “A New Look at Assessments: The Student Performance Grid” we showed you how to conduct a detailed analysis of a classroom assessment of students’ learning. After sorting the student work, we began with the less proficient work samples. We entered
Assessments provide valuable information on student learning. Teachers conduct and analyze ongoing formative and summative assessment to inform their instruction. As we implement Common Core State Standards, we are likely looking at using a greater variety of assessments. Creating an assessment calendar enables us to
Are the grading actions you are currently implementing leading to greater levels of student learning and desired behaviors? Professor John Hattie notes clearly that building students’ assessment capability has the potential to best impact their learning. But just what does assessment capability mean? Assessment capable students: Become
Looking Behind 2014-2015 has been a unique academic year as most states transition to a new generation of achievement testing with its reliance on technology and emphasis on college and career readiness standards. The verdict is still out on how English language learners (ELLs) will fare.
Changes in grading actions to prevent unnecessary failure, increase student resilience, and quality of their work are not only possible, they are more likely to go hand in hand than not. Secondary schools looking to prevent failure through grading can do so by utilizing the
This post was originally published on Finding Common Ground. So many standards, so little time… How can classroom teachers be expected to teach, assess, re-teach, and reassess student understanding of each and every standard in a grade level or course within a limited number of school days