Effective Assessment Practices

 Effective Assessment Practices matter because it is how authentic data is secured. 

Interim Assessment data can help us foster assessment-capable students because when we analyze the data and see where the weaknesses of individual students, as well as those of the class as a whole, are we can address them. When we are discussing the data with the students, the value of the assessments becomes tangible to them and their attitudes towards taking the assessment shifts.  We can address data issues by ensuring students have stronger test taking skills, letting them see the value of the assessments, celebrating the achievements seen in the data, and honestly discussing and reflecting upon those areas of weakness. This in turn becomes a means for the students to assess themselves and, if they are honestly reflecting on their performance, they can set goals for themselves. It is crucial that the students take ownership of their learning and through data analysis, reflection on performance, goal setting, revisiting, and celebrating they will own their learning. That will be directly reflected in an uptick in test scores. 

Student assessments

 Student assessments are necessary because educators need to have a formal means of collecting data of student learning. Such data drives future instruction (delivery methods as well as content and pacing). Formal assessments ensures that students within a specific system are being gauged and assessed by a universal tool/method. I believe that this ensures that the end result, the DoDEA high school diploma, has a consistent guarantee of the minimum what our learners know or are able to achieve.