Your Learning Network October 2017

Feature Top 5 Reasons Performance-Based Assessment Should Be Your Go-To Measure for Evaluation Upcoming from VASCD Invent to Learn Master Class Final Note What is Autonomy with Integrity?

Top 5 Reasons Performance-Based Assessment Should Be Your Go-To Measure for Evaluation -contributed by Megan Crew Megan is a Third Grade Teacher at West Salem Elementary in Salem VA

1. It's More Familiar than You Realize Performance-Based Assessments (PBAs) are not just a novelty in education. Quite the contrary; projects and performance tasks have been present in education for decades. However, most recently we have changed the face of these by applying rigor, giving students choice (see #4), and requiring subject-specific applications and precise evaluation tools (hello, rubric!) to keep accountability and continuity streamlined as we assess.

2.      PBAs= Personalized Learning at its best. Personalization by definition means the educator is varying his or her instructional approaches to accommodate the needs and interests of students. If you are using performance-based assessments in your classroom, go ahead and pat yourself on the back. There! Give yourself an extra gold star if you are ensuring the varied needs of your students are met by scaffolding the assessment tasks. If not, give that a try next time. Most recently a student gave me a fist bump after we met to discuss the parameters of his science task. He appreciated the personalized task that was his alone. 3.      Rubrics make for thoughtful, meaningful (dare I say easier?) grading ! The rubric is not an added sheet of paper but a communication tool to families and stakeholders, feedback to the student, and a record for you. Look at each field of a rubric, whether using or building one yourself, as a qualitative measure that is valuable, not a quantitative measure to check off. After rubric fields are established, use this tool to grade after conferencing with a student. Because of the work you do on the front end, the rubric will nearly check itself, but anecdotal notes can also flow on this valuable tool. Since PBAs have replaced multiple choice tests in many settings, let students know what is expected by sharing the rubric with them prior to the task. Their understanding of the expectations is important and appreciated.

4.      Students have voice and choice Remember scaffolding? This is important for each student’s needs, not just the ones that have paperwork requiring you to provide accommodations. Because you are a thoughtful educator you recognize the value in options. We don’t appreciate the “my way or the highway” mantra. Likewise, students value opportunities when they are able to vary their work. Parameters must be set, but refrain your brain from a set of black and white expectations. The most dynamic of results come when we let students extend their knowledge. 5.      Your classroom kiddos will appreciate (even love) this work. It never fails: when you announce that you will be conducting a PBA, the usual student feelings of fear, trepidation and test loathing are nowhere to be found. Instead, students are elated that they will be engaged in a hands-on approach where they will apply knowledge and exhaust their minds in a ‘cool’ way. Much classroom work is sedentary; let your PBA be dynamic! Now it’s your turn to go get your fist bump!

Invent To Learn Master Class Pre-Conference Session with Gary Stager N ovember 29 in Williamsburg Gary Stager, often called the "Father of the Maker Movement" will lead a hands-on workshop where you will be a maker, a tinkerer, and an engineer! You will leave with lesson and project-based ideas as well as tools and apps you can use. Hear what educators have to say about Gary's sessions! More information and registration.

What Do We Mean by Integrity With Autonomy? Autonomy with Integrity is part of VASCD's mission. We believe professional educators are well-equipped to make decisions in the best interests of students, and we are confident in their ability to determine best practice when it comes to teaching and learning.