8--Test+For+Student+Progress

Teachers Test For Student Progress Formative and summative assessments provide me with critical information necessary to be an effective teacher. I consistently use formative feedback throughout my lessons to evaluate student learning. A simple, "Raise your hand high if you could teach a friend," compared to, "Hand on the floor if you need another look" helps me know how students are evaluating their own learning. Not only do I gain valuable information, students are learning the skill of reflective learning. More formal feedback can be as simple as, "Write one thing new you learned today on this index card." Students appreciate the opportunity to share their thoughts and I can adapt my teaching to the status of my students.

Summative assessments provide a wealth of data I can use to evaluate student learning. Using Google Docs and Flubaroo, I am able to statistically analyze my tests and gather information about each student and each concept being tested. Along with traditional written tests, the assessments in my classroom serve the students as much as they are a platform for my own reflection.

I also am able to learn valuable information about students based on standardized test results. Having used ITBS testing, I can determined various patterns over time within each class and for each individual student. I am looking to grow more in my use of standardized test to influence my instruction. Data-driven teaching is a professional goal I have set for myself and look forward to investigating effective ways to develop this tool.