The purpose of the Assessment Of and For Student Learning standard is to ensure teachers are using appropriate methods of assessing students and using the gathered data to improve learning. The primary goals of the standard is for teachers to communicate positive expectations of their students and to assist students achieve their goals. Without proper assessment it cannot be determined if teaching strategies are effective and students are growing academically. The objective of this standard is to assess student growth and be able to interpret the data to modify instruction for overall improvement.
Checks for understanding:
I use frequent checks for understanding throughout my lessons such as a “thumbs up or thumbs down system” to ensure students are comprehending the information being taught. For example, during a paper making demonstration I would ask “True or false: This type of project is a mold making process because we are casting paper pulp into a pre-made form to create a sculpture?”. The answer is true so the students would give a thumbs up.
For every project my students complete, I provide them with a clear set of expectations to follow. The rubric can change depending on the specifics of the project but a general guideline I use in my classroom can be found below.
