Assessment Paper

I have learned that it’s important to observe our students both academically and

socially. Our students can score differently in both of these areas. Teachers need to assess

correctly to figure out what areas need more support. Teachers collecting data correctly can

plan their instruction accordingly.

The recommended ways to assess are interactive writing charts, running records, KWL

charts, reader response logs, writing samples and content assessments. I think using interactive

writing charts can be effective due to it involves teachers and students discussing what the

purpose and content is of what they are going to write. The teacher “shares the pen” with the

students and is able to assist the students as they participate as a group or individually. This

instructional tool keeps the students engaged while the teacher assesses specific students.

Another assessment that is effective is the KWL charts. KWL charts can have a dual purpose in

the classroom by assisting students in organizing their prior knowledge and questions they have

as well as being a tool to figure out the areas of future instruction.

The goals and purposes of assessments need to match the students so that instruction is

clear. The data needs to be collected to ensure a more complete portrait of each student’s

progress. When interpreting data there are factors to consider, is the information reliable and

was the assessment an authentic task. Teachers need to use a variety of assessment tools to

allow students to demonstrate their understanding of what they have learned. Depending on

the grade-level and subject I would use interactive writing charts, running records, and KWL

charts as classroom-based assessment tools. I would also be careful to remember that different

assessment tools have different purposes and they provide different information or data.