September 27, 2012

We started class with a practical application of Geometry, students collected measurements of the room and the tables and prepared diagrams for a new arrangement of tables.

After that the first assessment for lesson 1-10 was returned to students.
Instead of a test to measure what percent of the content for which students can demonstrate an understanding, the assessment measures what standards(or content)  for which students can demonstrate a mastery.   This results in two key differences. First the assessment will indicate what the student understands or doesn't understand and that information can be used to inform the student, parent and teacher of specifically what needs to be reviewed.  Second, the assessment measure can change over time, so that students are recognized for what they master, not penalized for taking longer to develop understanding or mastery.  So as the year progresses and you look at their assessment measures, you should see an improving trend with the goal of reaching and maintaining a mastery level of 3 in all areas.  The assessments are not averaged over time, the most current assessment measures are used to determine the mastery for the course.  Mastery does mean they are able to demonstrate understanding repeatedly over time.

 In regards to demonstrating a  measure of 4, which goes beyond mastery to "Expert", students will be provided those opportunities to synthesize and apply their understanding throughout the year.  It is not realistic to expect that students will obtain a 4 in every aspect of their education.  As adults we realize it is rare to truly find an individual that is an expert at everything.

As a result of this assessment, students now know what areas they need to review and that is their homework for this weekend.  On Monday, they will be reassessed over the same material but with different versions of the problems.  We will then move on to lesson 11.  If a student continues to have difficulty mastering a concept or content, I will work with them individually and everyone will have repeated opportunities to demonstrate their mastery.
I am working to input the assessment measures in the grade book.  It is much more cumbersome than recording grades the from a test.  The information though is far more descriptive than a grade.

REMINDER TO STUDENTS BRING YOUR COMPASS TO CLASS MONDAY.