Making Classroom Assessment Work

Page 1

Anne Davies

Hikers know the importance of good boots in providing them with secure footing, solid support, safety and protection on the trail, as well as the comfort they need to keep going till the end. . . . These quality classroom assessment methods, like good hiking boots, will support learners and give them a solid foundation for their lifelong learning journey.

Third Edition

Making Classroom Assessment Work

Making Classroom Assessment Work, 3rd Edition

Chapters include: • Building the Foundation for Classroom Assessment • Beginning With the End in Mind • Describing Success • Evidence of Learning • Involving Students in Classroom Assessment • Collecting, Organizing, and Presenting Evidence • Communicating About Learning • Evaluating and Reporting Two accompanying volumes, the Leaders Series, are focused on the role of school administrators, district personnel, and superintendents in quality classroom assessment. The Leaders Series offers ideas for supporting teachers and implementing assessment for learning with students and colleagues at all levels, as well as stories of how educational leaders have found solutions to the challenges along the road to achieving success for all learners.

Making Classroom Assesment Work

In simple and easy-to-follow steps, Dr. Anne Davies leads educators on the path to quality classroom assessment—the bridge between what research shows and what teachers can do in their classrooms to prepare students for their lifelong learning journey. This updated edition of Making Classroom Assessment Work offers more ideas and examples of using assessment for learning to guide instruction and present evidence of success. The thoughtful and thoughtprovoking framework provides a guide for teachers to follow, from involving students, parents, and community members in the assessment process to evaluating and reporting progress.

solution-tree.com A Joint Publication

Anne Davies, Ph.D.


Copyright Š 2000, 2007, 2011 by A. Davies Duncan Holdings Inc. First edition 2000 Second edition 2007 Third edition 2011 All rights reserved, including the right of reproduction of this book in whole or in part in any form. Published in the US by Solution Tree Press 555 North Morton Street Bloomington, IN 47404 800.733.6786 (toll free) / 812.336.7700 FAX: 812.336.7790 email: info@solution-tree.com solution-tree.com Printed in the United States of America 15 14 13 12 11

1 2 3 4 5

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Davies, Anne, 1955Making classroom assessment work / Anne Davies. -- 3rd ed. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 978-1-935543-88-6 (perfect bound) -- ISBN 978-1-935543-89-3 (library edition) 1. Educational tests and measurements. I. Title. LB3051.D365 2011 371.26--dc22 2011008102

Solution Tree Jeffrey C. Jones, CEO & President

Solution Tree Press President: Douglas M. Rife Publisher: Robert D. Clouse Vice President of Production: Gretchen Knapp Managing Production Editor: Caroline Wise Senior Production Editor: RisĂŤ Koben

Connections Publishing Stewart Duncan, CEO & President Project Manager: Judith Hall-Patch Editor: Annie Jack Design: Beachwalker Studio, Ken Chong, Mackenzie Duncan, Kelly Giordano, Cori Jones


Contents Preface ....................................................................................... vii Chapter 1: Making Classroom Assessment Work ....................... 1 Chapter 2: Building the Foundation for Classroom Assessment .... 15 Chapter 3: Beginning With the End in Mind ................................. 25 Chapter 4: Describing Success ................................................... 33 Chapter 5: Evidence of Learning ................................................. 45 Chapter 6: Involving Students in Classroom Assessment ........... 55 Chapter 7: Using Assessment to Guide Instruction .................... 63 Chapter 8: Collecting, Organizing, and Presenting Evidence ....... 73 Chapter 9: Communicating About Learning ................................ 85 Chapter 10: Evaluating and Reporting ........................................ 93 Chapter 11: Learning by Ourselves and With Others ................... 105 Final Thoughts ............................................................................ 111 Acknowledgments ...................................................................... 113 References ................................................................................. 115 Appendix .................................................................................... 121

Making Classroom Assessment Work

v


Preface Research has shown that involving students in classroom assessment results in considerable gains in achievement, “amongst the largest ever reported for educational interventions� (Black and Wiliam, 1998). Because of this, educators are seeking new methods to help them verify where students are on their learning journey and give students the information they need to take their next steps. This book is designed to outfit educators and students with a framework for a safe, successful experience. Before setting out on an unfamiliar path, seasoned adventurers prepare themselves by seeking out the tools and gear needed to make the trip a success. Hikers know the importance of good boots in providing them with secure footing, solid support, safety and protection on the trail, as well as the comfort they need to keep on going to the end. Assessment for learning tools provide a strong foundation for teachers to work with their students in planning and carrying out quality classroom assessment. These methods, like good hiking boots, will support learners and give them a sound footing for their lifelong learning journey. By participating in the assessment process, students experience safety in knowing what to expect on the road, and comfort and security in the recognition of their own achievement. As well, teachers find it more exciting and rewarding to share the path towards the learning destination with actively engaged students. Making Classroom Assessment Work offers ideas to be explored and adapted. Questions in each chapter help teachers identify key decision points in planning their own individual strategies and carrying out assessment for learning in a way that fits their classrooms. Making these thoughtful decisions is the first step on the journey.

Making Classroom Assessment Work

vii


Anne Davies

Hikers know the importance of good boots in providing them with secure footing, solid support, safety and protection on the trail, as well as the comfort they need to keep going till the end. . . . These quality classroom assessment methods, like good hiking boots, will support learners and give them a solid foundation for their lifelong learning journey.

Third Edition

Making Classroom Assessment Work

Making Classroom Assessment Work, 3rd Edition

Chapters include: • Building the Foundation for Classroom Assessment • Beginning With the End in Mind • Describing Success • Evidence of Learning • Involving Students in Classroom Assessment • Collecting, Organizing, and Presenting Evidence • Communicating About Learning • Evaluating and Reporting Two accompanying volumes, the Leaders Series, are focused on the role of school administrators, district personnel, and superintendents in quality classroom assessment. The Leaders Series offers ideas for supporting teachers and implementing assessment for learning with students and colleagues at all levels, as well as stories of how educational leaders have found solutions to the challenges along the road to achieving success for all learners.

Making Classroom Assesment Work

In simple and easy-to-follow steps, Dr. Anne Davies leads educators on the path to quality classroom assessment—the bridge between what research shows and what teachers can do in their classrooms to prepare students for their lifelong learning journey. This updated edition of Making Classroom Assessment Work offers more ideas and examples of using assessment for learning to guide instruction and present evidence of success. The thoughtful and thoughtprovoking framework provides a guide for teachers to follow, from involving students, parents, and community members in the assessment process to evaluating and reporting progress.

solution-tree.com A Joint Publication

Anne Davies, Ph.D.


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