Introduction to Learning Progressions

Progressions and Formative Assessment

Black and Wiliam (1998) called for “sound models of students’ progression in the learning of the subject matter” so that teachers could

interpret and respond to assessment evidence in a formative way (p.37).

Slide 1

• Where is the learner going?

• Where is the learner now?

• Where to next?

• How to get there?

Key Questions in Formative Assessment

Slide 2

Standards, Curriculum Scope and Sequence, and Learning Progressions

Standards

Curriculum Scope and Sequence

Learning Progressions

Define the expectations for knowledge and skills students should have

Organized by grade level

Based on logical analysis of the discipline

Assume additive acquisition of knowledge

(Corcoran, Mosher & Rogat, 2011)Slide 3

Scope: the breadth and depth of content to be covered in given period

Sequence: the order in which content is presented

Frequently developed by districts and schools

Learning Progressions

Standards, Curriculum Scope and Sequence, and Learning Progressions

Standards

Curriculum Scope and Sequence

Learning Progressions

Slide 4

Lay out increasingly more sophisticated understandings of core concepts, principles or skill development in a domain

Can describe development over an extended period of time

Provide a picture of what it means to “improve” in an area of learningLearning

Progressions

Are based on research and are validated

Standards, Curriculum Scope and Sequence, and Learning Progressions

Standards

Curriculum Scope and Sequence

Learning Progressions

Slide 5 (Corcoran, Mosher & Rogat, 2011; Heritage, 2009; Masters & Forster, 1997)

Learning progressions:• Guide the identification of learning goals• Help teachers identify where students are in their

learning• Enable teachers to map evidence gathering to the

progression• Help teachers know what to do next• Help teachers figure out holes in students’ previous

learning

Slide 6

Support for Process of Formative Assessment

Develop a Venn diagram (Handout 2.1.1) that illustrates the similarities and differences between:

1. Learning progressions2. Standards3. Curriculum scope and sequence

Share your graphic and your thinking with a partner.

Consolidate Your Learning

Slide 7