Why do we assess our students? This has been on mind all day today as my students sat at a computer taking their STAR 360 test. I assess my students to help inform my teaching. I'm continually assessing their knowledge informally and tweaking my instruction. I assess my students using class discussion, activities, worksheets, and other various tools. I realize why I use this form of assessment is because it gives me feedback almost immediately. I can adjust my teaching in the moment based on where my students are at. I don't have to wait until tests to see that I need to reteach or use alternative pacing. I realize that standardized assessments are just one of the many ways we assess our students. It also only gives me a small snapshot of my students' educational experiences. I of course use these assessments with the same purpose. I look at what my students need in order to be more successful. What can I do for them to help bridge that gap. I refuse to use assessments for the sole purpose of grades.
We can use assessments to empower our teaching.
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