Chapter 3: Principles of Successful Assessment in the Differentiated Classroom

Chapter 3: Principles of Successful Assessment in the Differentiated Classroom
In a differentiated classroom, assessments and lessons are made clear to the students. There should be no surprises on tests or worries about what will be on it: the students should be well informed about what they will be assessed on and how. Pre-assessments should be used before starting a unit, and the information we learn from them should be used to shape the unit and lessons we are going to teach. Formative assessments should occur frequently and help us to determine where students stand in their understanding of the subject mater: formative assessments are essential. Summative assessments should be created before the unit is fully planned. All lessons should help guide the students to understand and master the material that is on the summative assessment. This means that as a teacher, it is my job to be clear about assessments and make sure there are no surprises for my students when they take any test or quiz: they should already know what will be covered.