Week 1

 This week we learned about the different types of assessments.  We learned that all assessments are either formal or informal and used in either a formative or summative manner.  Formal assessments are based off of empirical research and data.  Informal assessments are teacher created, which can be in the form of observations, rubrics, checklists, rating scales, etc.  Formative assessments are used to provide information to both students and teachers on how to improve the learning process.  This information can be in the form of a brief written summary, a student/teacher conference, or a quiz.  This assessment type is used to demonstrate what you are learning.  Summative assessments are higher stakes than formative assessments.  They are used to "measure the mastery of the learning standards."  These types of assessments occur only a few times over the course of a school year, some examples being semester/end of term final, end of chapter/unit test, or state exams.  This assessment mode is to demonstrate what you have learned.

We talked about more assessments throughout the week, but the main idea I gathered was assessments are most beneficial if used in multiple different forms.  No single assessment will be able to provide a professional, educator, student, or family member with enough information and feedback to move forward.

In my future classroom, I want to use multiple forms of assessments to gauge where my students are with their learning.  I am very aware that no two students will learn the same way or be able to learn certain topics at the same pace, and I will strive to recognize each students' strengths and weaknesses throughout my teaching career.  With that being said, I also want students to know that I will be using assessments to improve my teaching tactics and skills as well.  I am there to give them the best educational experience as possible and to help them feel as prepared as they can for their upcoming grade level.  Throughout my early education career and up to high school, there were teachers that I felt would never change and never thought they were wrong or the reason people were struggling.  I never want my students to feel that way.