PACKAGE: Assessment and Evaluation (20 hours)

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Successful implementation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) is rooted in being able to identify the areas where students need support most, through effective processes of evaluation and assessment. This online course package on assessment and evaluation, provides practical solutions for teachers to identify learning problems, set specific goals, and evaluate achievement as an ongoing process. To this end, teachers will be equipped to periodically collect data and determine whether a student is showing adequate growth toward learning goals. Curriculum Based Measures (CBM) are presented as useful tools to glean specific information about students’ academic performance and learning growth. Through the planning of targeted interventions, teachers are equipped to build strong foundations for Common Core implementation, with specific resources for language fluency, math and written expression. Teachers are also shown how to use formative assessments to respond to student needs and shape ongoing classroom instruction. Tying all these strategies together, this package helps educators to implement a range of professional development practices that enable them to become reflective teachers and grow as educational professionals.

The Professional Learning Board presents the Assessment and Evaluation Package which includes FOUR self-study courses adding up to 20 hours of professional development. Scroll down to see more information on the courses in this package.

Common Core Assessment & Evaluation

Successful implementation of the Common Core (CCSS) is rooted in being able to identify in which areas students need support. However, most teachers don’t have time, resources or skills to conduct regular intensive assessments. This course provides a solution for this challenge by providing a framework that teachers may use to identify problems, set goals, and evaluate achievement as an ongoing process.

Teachers will be equipped to periodically collect data to determine in real time whether a student is showing adequate growth toward the outcome goal. Teachers will be able to plan intervention based on results, resulting in greater student achievement.

This course is full of templates, tips and strategies to help teachers gain confidence in evaluating and monitoring a Common Core (CCSS) based curriculum.

Common Core Curriculum-Based Measures

Basic skills are required for any subject in order for students to achieve. When students struggle with basic academic skills, implementing the Common Core standards (CCSS) can be challenging without successful interventions. By monitoring and managing student development, teachers can guide students toward success in all aspects of the curriculum.

This course helps teachers learn to evaluate and monitor basic academic skills. Curriculum Based Measures (CBM) is a standardized tool that aligns with the Common Core Standards (CCSS) and gives teachers objective and specific information about student academic performance. This course provides a framework to help teachers plan interventions based on the issues identified in the CBM. Teachers will be able to build a strong foundation for Common Core implementation with a specific focus on language fluency, math and written expression.

Formative Assessment

Is your school moving in the right direction?

Can you tell if students are learning – how can you tell?

Three years ago Brian Creasman became principal of a “low performing” high school and was confronted with these two questions. A high school classified as “low performing” obviously is not a title any teacher, administrator, student or parent wants for their school.

Out of everything (curriculum alignment, effective instructional strategies, etc.) Mr. Creasman learned that for an assessment to be effective, it should also be formative. Keep in mind that effective formative assessments result in instruction that meets the needs of each student. Formative assessments allow teachers to respond to the needs of the student quickly, however more importantly it allows the student to shape instruction (both a student-centered and teacher-driven education model).

The formative assessment program there continues and is constantly changing for the better. Once you have a well planned formative assessment program in place, your school will also see:

1) A change in the culture within classrooms
2) Concise communication of learning goals
3) Varied effective instructional methods
4) A new understanding for student learning
5) Improved student engagement with targeted student feedback
6) An increase in student learning!

Take the next step. Learn about and implement formative assessments in your school to discover and demonstrate for yourself, your students and your community what happens when a school moves in this direction and you know students are truly learning.

Reflective Teaching Practices

Have you wondered if your efforts and hard work are paying off? Have you spent time pondering over whether your teaching strategies are appropriate for your class and reviewing the results?

Developing a process of reflective thinking or reflective practice is a viable solution to this problem. Reflective practice is considered to be central to effective teacher preparation programs and the development of professional competence. A truly reflective teacher becomes sensitive and responsive to the needs, issues, and concerns that are so important in shaping qualitative educational practice. This course helps educators learn about various reflection and professional development practices that will enable you to become a reflective teacher and grow as an educational professional.