Assessment

Go back to: Framing Instruction
=Creating Common Formative Assessments=

Common Formative Assessments (CFA) should be:
Created with the Essential Skills and Knowledge in mind Used to determine how well the students understand the SOL Be relatively short in duration Accurately assess what was taught Be used to inform instruction

Just as with the framing process a team of assessment creators will be needed.
This team will work together to come up with a Common Formative Assessment.

=Here are the Steps to Creating a Common Formative Assessment:=
 * 1) Using the information that was gained through the unpacking and framing processes, the group should share out ideas as to how to assess mastery of the current SOL.
 * 2) If a CFA is already in use, that should be reviewed. Suggestions should be made as to how to update or improve upon the CFA as needed.
 * 3) Assessment facilitators should then plan to meet and create any additional assessment activities and questions. This meeting is to be held outside of the scheduled POD time. Facilitators will need to create an assessment using a format agreed upon by the POD. All POD members are asked to share suggestions with the facilitators. The assessment should include the weight of the questions, grading scale, and specific test taking procedures. Requirements needed to meet mastery should be clearly communicated. It is highly recommended that proposed assessments be emailed to all POD members for feedback prior to the next meeting.
 * 4) At the next meeting, the proposed assessment should be distributed to all members of the grade level. At this time, the assessment facilitators should go over the grading scale, and provide any needed clarification. Agreed upon test taking procedures should be followed consistently by all teachers.

Go to: Reflection and Action
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