Assessment

Apply varied assessment methods to measure the knowledge gained by students and to improve student learning.

• Summative Assessment including use of pre and post tests to show growth and mastery of a concept.
• Formative Assessment to assess the need for adjustment in instruction to increase student learning.
  Example: When results of an exit slip showed students did not grasp the desired concept, instructional plans were adjusted. Using a different approach allowed students to learn the material, ensuring the method of instruction wasn’t what made the topic difficult.
• Informal Assessment – ongoing monitoring to evaluate student comprehension and modifying lesson plans as needed.
  Example: When a quick check on a whiteboard revealed students didn’t understand the lesson’s objective, instead of moving on I adjusted and revisited the topic through another method.
• Student Formative Self-Assessment to allow students to reflect on their own understanding of the lesson’s learning goal. (Master's Action-Based Research Project).
  Example: Allowed students to think and write about their understanding of a math lesson, explain their strategies and reasoning to solve problems and their communication of a solution.
• Standardized or Norm Tests, use data to determine what needs to be a focus for instructional material.
   

• Differentiation and Diversity

   

  Working in both public and private, and in urban and rural schools, I have gained experience in diverse classroom settings. When creating lessons, I take students’ cultures, backgrounds, levels of knowledge/skills, and learning styles into consideration and provide multiple means of access to materials.

  • Coordinate classroom learning to achieve a balance between whole group instruction, small group collaboration and individual work.
  • Use diverse methods of instruction to allow for auditory, kinesthetic and visual learners to be successful.
  • Utilizing technology resources to enhance lessons.
    Example: Implemented an interactive SmartBoard presentation that allowed students to manipulate virtual pattern blocks to determine angle measures using known angle measures of blocks.
    Example: In a collaborative project, students wrote, typed and shared a reader’s theater script with a classroom in another state. This allowed students to use technology while also working on literacy standards.

  • Life-long Learning

     

    As a teacher I aim to encourage life-long learning in all my students. Exposing students to opportunities beyond the classroom is one way to foster a love of learning.

    • Take advantage of the surrounding environment to provide meaningful field trips that relate the content to resources or the history of where I’m teaching.
    • Relating the material to students’ lives.
      Example: In an effort to promote literacy, I implemented novels that related to 4th graders. Interacting with the text by close reading and discussion with their classmates promoted a desire to read.
    • Use personal experiences to teach students about the world beyond their community.
      Example: While teaching in a rural community, I shared stories of my urban life experiences (Chicago, Rome, Milan, Portland, OR) to broaden my students' view of the world beyond what they know.

    • Collaboration and Communication

       

  • Maintain regular communication with principal. An open relationship promotes opportunities for support in the various areas of teaching including curriculum, behavior issues, parental involvement and other concerns within the school.

    • Strong communication with parents and guardians is essential.
    • Contact parents/guardians when problems arise, but also when a student has done something successful in the classroom to help develop positive parent-teacher relationship.
    • Collaboration with fellow teachers to share ideas or provide support.
      Example: While a recent position didn’t have other same-grade-level teachers, I held frequent discussions with teachers from lower/higher grades on how curriculum relates to previously learned content and the skills and concepts needed for future applications of topics.
      Example: Worked with other same-grade-level teachers from other schools during Professional Development days to share and dissect best practices related to math standards.

    • Classroom Management

       
      • I hold each student accountable for his/her learning to encourage him or her to succeed in the classroom.
      • The classroom environment is one that fosters respect for all, responsibility for actions, and readiness to learn.
      • Descriptive classroom procedures direct students to the type of behavior they are expected to demonstrate. Continual practice and opportunities for leadership allow students to develop habits that promote learning.
      • Students develop independent work habits as well as collaboration with peers, through varied classroom opportunities.
      • I have a high expectation for all students, requiring them to put forth the effort and work that they are all capable of. When a student doesn’t reach this expectation on a particular assignment, I give them the chance to reflect on what they did and provide the opportunity to improve on their understanding.