iObservation Element Study

Formative assessment is a process used by teachers and students during instruction that provides feedback to adjust ongoing teaching to improve students' achievement of the intended learning target.

Teacher uses formative assessment to facilitate tracking of student progress on one or more learning targets.

Evidence (formative data) demonstrates students identify their current level of performance as it relates to standards-based learning targets embedded in the performance scale.

When a formative assessment is specific to a learning target, it is often partnered with a performance scale. The performance scale is specific to that learning target. This is different than a formative check, which is often a generic way of checking for understanding such as "fist to five" or "4-3-2-1".

Check out the WSD Curriculum Team Drive for learning goals and scales that are already embedded into your curriculum. These unit goals can be broken down into smaller chunks for daily learning targets. Students can easily track their progress right on these scales...give them copies, put them in a data binder or a sheet protector, and have students track their progress.

Developing performance scales for individual learning targets is good work, important work, but is a process that takes time. Celebrate your work and successes along the way with others. By collaborating and sharing with grade-level and/or department colleagues, we can make an even larger impact on student achievement.

Have a wonderful October!