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Creating a Meaningful Classroom Assessment Program

Guided by the latest research and proven methods, K-12 educators will develop the skills necessary to implement a successful student-centered formative assessment process across all grade levels. Educators will learn how to map out learning progressions, select assessment strategies that will provide quality feedback, engage students in self-assessment and self-management, remain mindful of individual social and emotional learning needs, and much more. 

Course Name: Creating a Meaningful Classroom Assessment Program
Course Number: EDUC 714M	Semester Credits: 3

Course Description

Formative assessment is a continuous process suited to a range of subjects and grade levels. This assessment model allows teachers and students to keep learning moving forward because it enables the teacher to see learning progressions, set goals, engage students in self-assessment and self-management, and measure success criteria in real-time. With formative assessment, teachers can make calculated, personalized adjustments to ensure that their students reach their full potential.  Formative assessment can also be referred to as a feedback loop because interdependent elements such as learning goals, motivation, self-regulation, and self-assessment all work together to allow the student to meet their intended goals.

By using specific learning goals and success criteria within every lesson, students become integral to the assessment and evaluation procedures to close the gap between what students know now and where their teacher wants them to be at the end of the lesson or unit. Teachers accomplish this by embedding assessment opportunities throughout the curriculum and interactions within the classroom. Formative assessment is different from merely assigning grades and reporting student achievements at the end of a term. Students receive ongoing descriptive feedback and analysis of tasks and classwork throughout the learning process.

Goals

• Use evidence to inform teaching and learning through observation, discussion, questioning, and review of tasks and classwork.
• Acquire the information necessary to create and use frequent formative assessments.
• Develop the knowledge of how to evaluate basic details and processes, complex ideas, and inferences and applications.
• Develop expertise in monitoring and reporting student progress in topics or units throughout a grading period.
• Develop the ability to create a plan for consistently assessing learning goals and success criteria.
• Develop strategies for evolving self-regulation, motivation, and self-efficacy.
• Learn how teacher feedback, peer feedback, and self-assessment can assist students in taking the necessary steps towards closing the gaps in their learning.
• Understand that there is not a right way to implement a formative assessment program. It is an ongoing process that starts from the learner’s existing understanding and progresses through the instruction, assessment, and feedback from their teacher.
• Learn how to help students work within their zone of proximal development.

Course Contents

• Clarifying formative assessment
• Mediating factors for learning supported by formative assessment
• College and career-ready standards
• Self-regulation, motivation, and self-efficacy
• Learning goals and success criteria
• Eliciting and using evidence
• Feedback to students
• Developing and deepening formative assessment knowledge and skills

Evidence of Learning Outcomes

Upon completing Creating a Meaningful Classroom Assessment Program, the educator will demonstrate a reflective understanding of how to develop and implement a meaningful formative assessment program along a continuum of learning through applying concepts in the assigned projects and text.

How to Register

Creating a Meaningful Classroom Assessment Program is offered in both an online or emailed PDF format, and all books and materials are included in the registration. Like all of our courses, it is open for anyone to register at any time during a semester. After completion, students earn graduate, non-degree semester credit from an accredited university, as reflected on their official transcript.

Registration is straightforward and can be done online or over the phone. Courses are offered ongoing during three semesters, and you can start whenever you are ready! Students may choose to enroll in up to a maximum of 15-semester credits at any time during each semester. The registration dates are:

• Fall: September 1 - January 31
• Spring: February 1 - May 31
• Summer: June 1 - August 31