Week Three -- Seven Strategies of Assessment for Learning Chapter One

Our work now begins on our Seven Strategies of Assessment for Learning book. After reading Chapter 1 "Formative Assessment and Assessment for Learning," please complete the activities below:
What Do You Already Do?

A. After reading through the section titled "What Gives Formative Assessment Its Power?" on pages 7-11, make an inventory of practices and activities you currently use that fall under the umbrella of assessment for learning. Then after reading the section titled "Seven Strategies of Assessment for Learning" on pages 11-13, match up your inventory of practices and activities with the seven strategies. A chart has been provided for you (via email) as an organizational tool.

B. With a partner discuss the following questions during your team meeting time on Thursday, Sept. 22nd. Then share your findings as a team. How are your answers similar/different?
*What is your definition of Formative Assessment?
*Using the information in the "What Do You Already Do" activity, discuss which strategies you use most often and least often.
*Compare individual responses. Use these to create a team inventory of practices being used. Identify strengths, weaknesses and gaps that you discover in your team practices. (My team is strong in ... My team will work on ....)
Bring these results to the PLC meeting on Sept. 28th.
C. Using the comments link, please post the following findings from your individual information. Postings should be completed by TUES., Sept. 27th.
*Which assessment uses are present in your classroom? Are your formative and summative assessment practices balanced -- how do you/can you ensure this?
*Explain how you use Formative Assessment results to improve student achievement.

Week Two -- Planning Like an Architect

Teams should use the model above as you meet in team meetings on Thursday, September 8th. Use the model to do the following tasks.

1. As a group discuss how planning an instructional lesson is similar to the role of an architect.



2. Using this weeks lesson plans, colored dots and chart paper (which will be provided to one team member), make an organizer similar to the one above which will show how your lesson planning includes each of the areas in the model above. The Math Teacher on your team will be a benefit to you in explaining this task if additional info is needed.



3. Discuss as a group what area of the design plan is strong for your team and is weak for your team. How do individual areas of strength and weakness compare to the team's results? Be prepared to discuss at PLC.



4. Reflect individually as to what area of the design plan is strong and weak. Post on the blog (using the comments link) what you have found to be your area of strength in planning and the area of planning that may need more attention. Include a plan as to how you will strengthen your weak area. Your responses need to be posted by September 12th.



5. Bring charts and reflections to PLC on September 14th.