The Formative Assessment Blueprint

3:27:00 PM Viv Beck 0 Comments

The Formative Assessment Blueprint

So you have to delve deep into formative assessment, but you don't know where to start. Fear not, you are not alone.

Many striving to refine their craft of teaching and learning to refine the application of this process. But, my observations reveal the greatest hurdle is understanding the true essence of formative assessment.

What You Need to Know About Formative Assessment

It's more than a method.
It goes beyond a checklist.
It's a blend of theory and practice.

Formative Assessment Is More Dynamic Than It Appears

Fully implemented, formative assessment reaches beyond the quantifiable data. It includes professional knowledge along with the too often overlooked professional intuition that reaches deep into the beliefs and values of educators.

From my perspective, when both quantitative and qualitative information come together, intuitive decision making reveals itself as a 6th sense...

I know, this isn't researched based, but after 27 years in the classroom, I'd say I feel confident in making this statement. It's about application and experience, not just theory. Yes, there are effective ways to include all the steps that make it effective, but there's more.

We'll get back to the "professional intuition" in a future post. Coming to understand the intuitive component requires more investigation and thoughtful consideration. Today, I am going to share with you a clear explanation of the roadmap of a formative assessment cycle.

The Formative Assessment Blueprint

Let's address the process of FA.

Below is a picture - with my own visual enhancements :) - that reveals the roadmap of formative assessment. The process is not as overwhelming as it appears.

Formative Assessment: Making it Happen in the Classroom, by Margaret Heritage (2010), is one of the best resources to help you proceed with confidence. (CLICK HERE to get the book - not an affiliate link)

The ultimate goal of formative assessment is closing the gap between where a learner is in comparison to where they need to go. The process is listed below. Note the representation of this process in the Formative Assessment Blueprint above.

Identify Learning Goals
Generate Learning Progressions
Establish Criteria for Success
Provide Evidence of Learning
Interpreting the Evidence
Identifying the Gap(s)
Provide Effective Feedback
Adapt Instruction for Progress
Create Instructional Supports for Differentiation
Providing Evidence That the Gap Was Closed (SA)

A Closer Look at The Formative Assessment Blueprint

You can review this list and gain an understanding of the process with the help of the graphic above. But, let's review each step in greater detail.

Formative Assessment Blue: Step 1:

Identifying the Learning Goals

Learning goals are derived from the CCSS. Teachers must identify which learning goals are relevant and necessary.

A word of caution. Don't try to assess a broad range of skills/concepts at once. Keep your focus narrowed to a specific learning outcome that supports the goal. The more specific you are, the greater clarity you will have in the process.

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Formative and Summative Assessment: What's the REAL Difference?

8:40:00 PM Viv Beck 0 Comments

Formative Assessment and Summative Assessment

You may know the definition of both, but do you have a clear understanding of each?

Many teachers KNOW the definitions of each, but need clarity on the HOW to effectively implement both forms of assessment. Begin by watching the video below to hear Rick Wormelli's overview of how assessment can be used effectively in the classroom.

Another Perspective of Formative and Summative Assessment

Another leader in teaching and learning is Dylan Wiliam. Here's his take on assessment:

Summative assessment is a lot like a post mortem investigation.

Formative assessment can be compared to a doctor's appointment. The doctor provides a patient with information and insight about a specific condition. The patient takes time to ask questions for a better understanding. Together the doctor and patient establish a course of action to improve the patient's current condition.

Summative assessment, as William explains, can be compared to an autopsy. The coroner is able to examine a body and discover the ailment. But, by this time the patient has no time for understanding or change. His time is up and so are his options.

In terms of the the classroom, however,...

Formative assessments are understanding checks in the process of learning. It informs teachers for future learning. But more importantly, the feedback that follows the formative assessments is what gives depth to the learning of each student. Multiple opportunities for continued support, explorations, and practice are available.

Feedback is the cornerstone of formative assessment. When effective feedback based on the formative assessment becomes and integral component of instruction, students experience greater understanding of the pre-established learning targets. Growth is observed, data (student progress) is recorded, and teaching is redirected to meet students where they are in the process of learning.

Summative assessment on the other hand is a display of learning as a result of the process of learning. This is often thought of as the final grade. This assessment is developed with the learning progress in mind. It is reflective of similar processes, skills, and standards. When both forms of assessment are congruent, the teaching and learning has greater potential.

A Truth About Summative Assessment...

Don't get caught up in the myth of the "last chance" when considering summative assessment. It's important to remember, the goal of any effective learning community is to teacher students. Using professional judgment and a little intuition for the sake of differentiation, any summative assessment can become a formative assessment. Should I say it again?

ANY SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT CAN BECOME
A FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT!*

Unfortunately, not all learning communities allow for this flexibility, so not all teachers can implement assessment in this way. Regardless of required policy and procedure, keep in mind: your goal as an educator is not to play a game go Gatch-Ya' with your students. The purpose of formative and summative assessment, and even standards based grading for that matter, is to teach students and increase academic accountability through increased engagement, not play a game of control.

Take Your First Step...

Take some time to investigate what you already know about assessment and how you use it in your classroom. Consider ways you can implement formative assessment and effective feedback more consistently while maintaining a clearly parallel relationship with summative assessment.

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6 Co-Teaching Methods to Increase Student Engagement

7:13:00 PM Viv Beck 0 Comments

Are you looking to refine your team teaching strategies? Here are six methods to increase student engagement by reducing the teacher to student ratio in your classroom.