on departments discuss assessment. When we go to websites to find out how our schools are doing, those sites typically only focus on high stakes testing but there is a big difference in assessment and testing.
Schools are assessing students in a variety of ways. Those methods of assessment are informal and formal as well as formative and summative. Assessment is a useful and powerful tool for teachers and principals. When we explore quality assessment with our students, we find their strengths and weaknesses. We learn what they can do well and where they need our help.
When we focus on strengths, we can find reliable methods to enrich our gifted population and help the self-esteem of learners who struggle in areas that are tested. It gives us the opportunity to differentiate our instruction to meet the needs of all learners within our classrooms. The reality is that all classrooms have diverse learners, regardless of whether some are classified or not.
Formative assessment happens every day in the classroom and needs to be a part of daily instruction. It is completed through observation of students as well as through conversations with students. Formative assessment can be done through an individual observation or small group and whole group observation. Teachers can easily see when students do not understand concepts by quickly checking for understanding during the lesson.
Formative assessment is not graded. It is kind of like when an athlete learns a new technique, they do not instantly use it in a competition. Instead, the coach observes the athlete using the new technique in practice first. As the athlete practices, the coach offers suggestions for improvement until they master the new technique.
Students play an important part in their own learning when using formative assessment. Students can assess themselves as well as assess each other. Often teachers use goal setting techniques with students where they set a goal for themselves which are always kept in mind as students are learning concepts. Goal setting is also a very valuable teacher and administrator evaluation technique because it gives the learner, whether they are a child or an adult, ownership over their own learning.
One great way to truly assess student learning is through the use of portfolios. Portfolios are a collection of a student's best work. They are a strengths based approach to learning and allow the student to truly be at the center of their own learning. They also understand that schools are in their lives to help them rather than always focusing on low grades and looking at weaknesses.
In the End
Summative assessments are what students take at the end of a unit. They come in the forms of chapter or unit tests. High stakes testing is supposed to act as a summative assessment for grade level curriculum. Summative assessments, although necessary are often where students have testing anxiety because it is a formal way to "show what you know."
During these dark educational times we focus too heavily on testing and not enough time on assessment. Testing can cause a great deal of anxiety for students and teachers but it can be a useful tool when used correctly. Testing is often formal and ends with a grade.
Assessment, however, comes at any time and can be fluid and offer just as much, if not more, information for teachers and students. We need to devote more time to student-centered learning where they are not only assessed by their teachers but are actively engaged in self-assessment as well. Self-assessment is a way for students to be engaged in their own learning which will truly prepare them for the college and work place.
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