Teacher Strategy:

Pre-Assessment
Pre-Assessment is
A method to determine a students current level of
readiness (or interest) before beginning instruction.
Teachers can use pre-assessment data to help
differentiate teaching and help individual students
succeed.
BENEFITS:
Makes differentiation easier
Helps teacher prepare lessons that are
meaningful and challenging for ALL students
Allows teacher to meet students where they are
currently
Improves instructional efficiency
Identifies learning gaps/mastery
Engages students and shows that a teacher
cares

By: Ashley Brightly

Pre-Assessment

By: Ashley Brightly

Who Does It Help?

References
Cannella-Malone, H., Sabielny, L.,

Pre-assessment helps all students, and even teachers! It is a

particularly great strategy for teaching students with learning
disabilities and behavior disorders. Many instances of misconduct in
the classroom can be attributed to student boredom or frustration
with with material. Pre-assessing students abilities and interests
can help teachers plan lessons that meet the needs of each student,
particularly those with disabilities.

Jimenez, E., & Miller, M. (2013).

Pick One!. TEACHING
Exceptional Children, 45(6), 1623.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/004005
991304500602
Dobbertin, C. (2012). Just How I

How Do I Pre-Assess?

Need To Learn It. Educational

The most traditional way to pre-assess students is to quiz them on a

topic before beginning a unit. However, the possibilities are endless!
Here are some ideas of ways that teachers can pre-assess:

Issue 5, P66-70. 5P., 69(5), 66-

Leadership. Feb2012, Vol. 69

70.
Parrish, P., & Stodden, R. (2009).

Questionnaire
Quiz / Pre-test
Entrance / Exit cards
Journal writing
Skill / interest checklist
Portfolios
Observation
Conversation
KWL chart

Aligning Assessment and

Instruction with State Standards
for Children with Significant
Disabilities. TEACHING
Exceptional Children, 41(4), 4656.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/004005
990904100405