Assessment as a Teaching Tool
Assessment is not just about grading - it's a critical tool for improving instruction and supporting student learning. Effective teachers use multiple forms of assessment strategically to identify strengths and needs, monitor progress, and guide instruction.
Types of Assessment
By Purpose
| Type | Purpose | When Used |
|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic | Identify prior knowledge and learning needs | Before instruction |
| Formative | Monitor learning and adjust instruction | During instruction |
| Summative | Evaluate learning at end of unit/term | After instruction |
By Type
- Criterion-Referenced: Measures against specific standards or criteria
- Norm-Referenced: Compares students to each other
- Performance-Based: Students demonstrate skills through authentic tasks
- Portfolio: Collection of work showing growth over time
- Teacher Observation: Informal assessment during instruction
- Self-Assessment: Students evaluate their own learning
- Peer Assessment: Students evaluate each other's work
Measurement Concepts
- Validity: Does the assessment measure what it claims to measure?
- Reliability: Are results consistent over time and across raters?
- Bias: Do factors unrelated to content affect scores?
- Assessment vs. Evaluation: Assessment gathers data; evaluation makes judgments
Purposes of Assessment
- Monitoring: Track ongoing progress
- Comparing: Compare to standards or other students
- Screening: Identify students who may need additional support
- Diagnosing: Identify specific strengths and weaknesses
Integrating Assessment and Instruction
- Use assessment results to identify student strengths and needs
- Monitor progress toward state standards
- Modify instruction based on assessment data
- Provide effective learning opportunities based on assessment results
- Use formative assessment to guide daily instruction
Formative Assessment Strategies
- Exit tickets
- Quick writes
- Thumbs up/down
- Whiteboards
- Think-pair-share
- Questioning
Student Self-Assessment
- Help students identify their own strengths and needs
- Teach goal-setting skills
- Provide rubrics and exemplars
- Encourage reflection on learning
Modifying Assessments
For students with varied characteristics and needs:
- ELLs: Extended time, simplified language, native language support
- Students with Disabilities: Follow IEP accommodations (extended time, separate setting, assistive technology)
- Use multiple assessments to get complete picture
Records and Communication
- Maintain accurate records of student performance
- Use technology to collect and analyze data
- Communicate responsibly with students, parents, and colleagues
- Interpret results appropriately
Key Takeaways
- Formative assessment guides instruction; summative evaluates final learning
- Validity = measures what it claims; Reliability = consistent results
- Use multiple assessments to get a complete picture
- Assessment should improve instruction, not just generate grades
- Modify assessments appropriately for diverse learners
- Teach students to self-assess and set goals