Blog Post #2

Before this Assessment Class, EDBE 8Y01 I knew very little about all the factors that led into assessing students. I thought teachers just pulled sometimes fun and sometimes boring assignments from a mass binder of resources and used the assignment or test to judge whether or not we were understanding what we were learning. I never knew the extensive work that goes into creating individual assessments, modifications and accommodations for particular students. Incorporating the learning skills and work habits into assignments, as well as the achievement chart categories and the success criteria and so much more. I commend all my past, present and future teachers for all the long nights; sometimes sleepless, who attempt everyday to assess our students in the best way possible.

Growing Success has impacted my beliefs about assessment in a very positive way. This resource is an excellent tool that incorporates everything a teacher needs to know when it comes to assessment. This resource has eliminated several fears of mine that I had when starting this course. Growing Success provides step-by-step processes for how to evaluate and assess students correctly. This is huge for me being a pre-service teacher and I feel that I will continue to constantly reference the resource during my in-service teaching.

The document is layed out in an easy way to comprehend. Accompanying the text there are always diagrams, pictures and charts that can be viewed to consolidate the information. I really like how each chapter is layed out. For example, for Learning Skills and Work Habits, the document discusses the policy, provides a detailed yet straight to the point table, and the context for how to implement the Learning Skills and Work Habits for teachers. I personally am a very visual learner, therefore I thoroughly enjoyed the chart because I can remember the categories and a specific bullet that goes with each as compared to attempting to memorize the entire text.

Learning Skills and Work Habits Sample Behaviours - Taken from Growing Success (Page 11)
 

Responsibility The student:

• fulfills responsibilities and commitments within the learning environment;

• completes and submits class work, homework, and assignments according

   to agreed-upon timelines;

• takes responsibility for and manages own behaviour.

Organization The student:

• devises and follows a plan and process for completing work and tasks;

• establishes priorities and manages time to complete tasks and achieve goals;

• identifies, gathers, evaluates, and uses information, technology, and resources

   to complete tasks.

Independent Work The student:

• independently monitors, assesses, and revises plans to complete tasks and

   meet goals;

• uses class time appropriately to complete tasks;

• follows instructions with minimal supervision.

Collaboration The student:

• accepts various roles and an equitable share of work in a group;

• responds positively to the ideas, opinions, values, and traditions of others;

• builds healthy peer-to-peer relationships through personal and media-assisted

  interactions;

• works with others to resolve conflicts and build consensus to achieve

  group goals;

• shares information, resources, and expertise and promotes critical thinking

  to solve problems and make decisions.

Initiative The student:

• looks for and acts on new ideas and opportunities for learning;

• demonstrates the capacity for innovation and a willingness to take risks;

• demonstrates curiosity and interest in learning;

• approaches new tasks with a positive attitude;

• recognizes and advocates appropriately for the rights of self and others.

Self-regulation The student:

• sets own individual goals and monitors progress towards achieving them;

• seeks clarification or assistance when needed;

• assesses and reflects critically on own strengths, needs, and interests;

• identifies learning opportunities, choices, and strategies to meet personal

  needs and achieve goals;
• perseveres and makes an effort when responding to challenges.  

As well, I like how the document provides specific examples. For instance, in the chapter dedicated to the Achievement Chart Categories, there are three samples of the achievement chart for three different subjects/disciplines. Therefore, teachers have a jump off point for what their Achievement Chart must look like and can manipulate whats in Growing Success to fit their particular subjects. If I have a model or example I can look off of I will be extremely successful at anything I do.

Additionally I really appreciate that Growing Success highlights, explains and provides examples for the three different types of assessment- For/As/Of. Growing up, I never knew there was different categories of assessment. I thought the main goal of assessment was all about the grade on the report card. I never fully understood the individual categories and how they were all broken down to make up a grade. It is important that we do not stress grades and their importance. The importance for our students should be placed on the learning that they do not solely on the grades they get.

Lastly, Growing Success highlights important features such as applying modifications, accommodations and alternative programs for students. Again, because of my lack of knowledge and experience in assessment until now, I never knew that teachers create individualized lesson plans for students that are on IEP's or specific modifications and accommodations. This document is exceptional at explaining the above categories and providing examples and information for how to adjust lesson plans to suit the individual needs of each student.

In conclusion, Growing Success has changed all of my ignorant views of assessment. I truly never understood how complicated assessment and evaluations could be for a teacher. As a future teacher it is imperative that I provide a classroom environment, lesson plans and assessments that suit any and all learning styles that I may encounter. Growing success is a terrific document that can guide teachers to assess their students in all the right ways and avoid any confusion or complications.

Cheers, Courtney Helt