Understanding Assessment

Assessment For Learning

Understanding the changes occurring in classroom marking and grading.

Content adapted from Bev Facey High School Student Assessment document

Why is this important?

 We want to make the highest claim we can about our students’ achievements

The purpose of assessment is to improve learning not just measure it.

CRPS will change assessment practices and reporting to reflect current best practices and research

Assessment Project

The CRPS Assessment project has brought together teachers, school administrators and central office administration to lead this work.

The CRPS Administrative Procedures Document regarding evaluation and reporting has changed to be consistent with current research and best practice.

What is assessment?

Classroom assessment refers to all activities in the classroom that enable students to demonstrate what they understand, know and can demonstrate.

A balanced assessment program includes a variety of assessment strategies matched with specific learner outcomes. Planning for assessment is an essential part of instruction.

The goal of assessment is to improve learning.

Research Driven

In order for students to assume responsibility for their own learning they need to have information on which to act: information they understand information that is accurate immediatedelivered in a way that encourages them to

keep learning - Understanding School Assessment p.22

Coach

Planner

Judge & Reporter

Teacher as Planner

Engage in PD to develop curriculum implementation

Design with end in mind (curricular outcomes)

Involve students in the assessment process

Gather a variety of assessment evidenceKeep it meaningful

Teacher as a Coach

Assessment for learning (formative) is analogous to the athlete who works really hard in practice, preparing for the "big game".  Practice doesn't count on the scoreboard, but it is essential to success. 

Provide feedback that moves learners forward (teacher, peer, self)

Assessment For Learning

Assessment for learning gives students opportunities to: learn concepts and develop their skills and

abilities receive and respond to formative feedback gain confidence, take risks and improve

achievementset goals and reflect on learning

Formative Assessment

Assessment for learning tasks do not form part of the summative assessment (mark or grade assigned by the teacher) but are critical to the learning process. 

Teacher as Judge & Reporter

Assessment of learning includes a variety of evidence collected after significant practice and over time which adequately represents student performance against outcomes

This summative judgement is communicated to parents, students and other educators (ie report cards)

Student Grades

Teachers will identify, in advance, the assessment of learning tasks that will be used to evaluate students' achievement for grading purposes.  Students' grades will be determined using assessment of learning activities such as projects, performance tasks and unit and final examinations that are performed independently and collaboratively.  

What does all this mean?

Assessment for learning shifts the emphasis of assessment from a single test or report card mark, which is only a snapshot in time, to an ongoing practice throughout the school year.

Research indicates that the implementation of assessment for learning practices increases student learning.

Professional Learning Opportunities

CRPS teachers have begun to implement these practices in their classrooms.

Professional learning opportunities such as conferences, workshops, book studies and collaborative work with colleagues are supporting teachers’ work.

More Information