InTASC Standard #6 ensures that educators use multiple means of assessment to monitor student progress, engage students in ongoing learning, and inform decisions. Effective teachers use a variety of assessment tools both formative and summative to collect data on student achievement.
#1 Word study games
One strategy that I use during reading groups is word study games. I try to incorporate games 2-3 times a week during small group word study instruction. By using games in small groups, I am able to closely monitor student progress and I hear them pronounce their words. I can evaluate whether students have mastered their specific feature for the week, and what we need to go back and review. Games also allow students to monitor their own understanding, and quiz their peers. This is a great way to assess student learning in a way that is fun and engaging for the student.
#2 Formative assessments: foldables
One way that I keep track of student progress is by using foldables as a means of formative assessment. For example, in a first-grade science lesson (SOL 1.4), I use a “parts of a plant” foldable where students display their understanding by identifying different parts of a plant. By circulating the room, I can identify where students are excelling and or struggling with the content. This is a simple way for me as an educator to note student understanding, and areas that need to be readdressed.
#3 Record of pupil learning
Another way that I assess student progress is by administering a pre-test in order to identify how much students know before teaching content. It is important to have accurate data about how much students know, to ensure that I am not reteaching content they have already mastered, nor starting at a level that is beyond what they already know. After teaching that content, I can then compare pre and post-test scores to identify how well students have mastered the material, and determine if I need to reteach anything.