Balanced Assessment System

How do we assure students are learning?

What components are necessary for a quality assessments system? This session looks at creating a balanced assessment system in districts. It begins by identifying an assessment process that focuses on students learning, learning targets, and formative and summative assessments. Using student assessment data to inform instruction, groups identify next steps for students and teachers.

Focus Questions

  • Why do we assess?
  • What are the components of quality assessments?
  • How do we match assessment types to the learning targets?
  • How does our assessment system match our school mission?
  • How does our assessment system support our school improvement goals?
  • What are the various types of assessments and what is their purpose?
  • How do assessments fit into the teaching and learning cycle?
  • How do we use assessment data and why?

Outcomes

  • Provide a process of prioritizing the content expectations
  • Identify components of an assessment plan
  • Develop a process for utilizing formative assessments to improve student learning and inform instruction