P3 – Practice standards-based assessments. This program standard emphasizes the significance for teachers to use standards-bases assessment that is systematically analyzed in order to monitor and improve instruction. To me this program standard focuses on using various assessment measures in order to more effectively teach students in areas where signs of misconceptions arise. The evidence presented is a formative assessment used at the beginning of fraction unit. The specific questions used on the assessment were derived based upon the state standards. Each question covered a particular aspect pertaining to the state standards in regards to fractions. This was just one of the assessment measures that were used throughout the fraction unit. Check-in questions, self-reflections, and a post-assessment were all administered as well throughout the fractions unit.
This evidence demonstrates the use of assessments in order to guide the mathematical instruction. The pre-assessment shown above was used to see student prior knowledge and the points of emphasis needed throughout the unit. For example, a majority of students had difficulties with the questions regarding equivalent fractions. Based upon this, the fourth grade team made it a point of emphasis by allowing more time to cover the concept as well as brainstorming methods to more effectively instruct equivalent fractions. Methods included using various manipulatives, drawing equivalent fractions, using number lines, and creating an equivalent fractions poster. The check-in questions and the self-reflections allows for the monitoring of student understanding. If student shows misunderstanding in either the check-in questions or self-reflections, this indicates that my instructional methods may need some adjustment in order to more effectively communicate key concepts or more time is needed on the particular concept. This has helped me realize the importance of using standards-based assessment in order to monitor and improve my instruction. This will result in more effective instruction because I will be better informed of the ability level of my students. I will be able to see students who may need additional support in addition to students who may need to be challenged more as well. Using various assessment measures has proven to be very effective in providing useful insight on student growth and development. Not only does it provide a method for me to track and monitor student learning, but utilizing self-reflections allows for student to be able to monitor their own learning as well. Likewise, aligning assessment with the state standards ensures that the essential academic learning requirements are being met.
In the future, I plan to continue to implement and use various assessment methods in order to monitor and improve my instruction. One way in which I can ensure this is to be purposeful with the assessments I use. For example in math, to always incorporate a check-out question after each lesson on a new concept. This will provide information of student learning and understanding of the lesson. In addition to this, I will incorporate throughout each unit multiple opportunities for students to be able to self-assess their own learning. Students may show an understanding of the concept by answering the check-out question successfully but in reality may be lacking the confidence or still needs more practice.
My Educational Journey 