Blog Post #1: Assessments Reflections

 

Assessments Reflections

SECTION 1: STOT Assessment Reflection:

How can you use this assessment to inform and guide your learning in your student teaching experience?
I can use this assessment to identify areas where I am strong and areas where I need improvement, such as lesson planning, differentiation, and meeting the needs of ELL and SPED students. Feedback from my cooperating teacher will help me refine my teaching strategies and better support all learners. It also encourages me to reflect on my own biases and how they might impact my teaching. Overall, this assessment serves as a guide to help me grow into an effective and responsive teacher.

In your personal opinion, what are the inherent limitations of this assessment in terms of your"performance" as a student teacher?

One limitation is that the assessment may not fully capture the day-to-day interactions and relationships I build with students, which are a crucial part of teaching. It may also emphasize observable tasks, like lesson planning and organization, over less visible but equally important skills, such as classroom culture and student engagement. Additionally, it is based on the perspective of the cooperating teacher, which could be subjective and influenced by their personal expectations or teaching style.

What can't this assessment measure that you believe to be crucial aspects of good teaching?
This assessment cannot fully measure the emotional support and rapport I provide to students, which are essential for fostering a safe and engaging learning environment. It also cannot capture creativity in responding to unexpected classroom challenges or the ability to inspire curiosity and a love of learning. Moreover, it does not measure the long-term impact I have on students’ growth or their confidence as learners.

What do you believe are the affordances of this assessment in terms of your growth and development as a student teacher?
This assessment provides structured feedback that highlights my strengths and areas for improvement, helping me develop a more intentional approach to teaching. It encourages reflection on my biases and instructional decisions, promoting equitable teaching practices. It also facilitates communication with my cooperating teacher, ensuring alignment in supporting students’ needs. Ultimately, it offers a framework for professional growth and helps me build confidence and competence as a teacher.

SECTION 2:  - Using Standardized and Standards-Based Tests & Formative Assessment I: Gathering & Interpreting Evidence of Student Learning

In your own words, describe "Standardized Testing." 

Standardized testing is a test that is given the same way to all students so their scores can be compared. It measures what students know or can do in subjects like reading or math, and helps schools see how well students are learning or how effective teaching is.

How can standardized tests help teachers improve their lesson planning and instructional decisions?

Standardized tests can help teachers improve their lesson planning and teaching by showing them what students know and what they are struggling with. When teachers see the results, they can identify areas where many students need extra help and adjust their lessons to focus on those skills. The tests can also highlight which teaching strategies are working well and which might need to change, helping teachers make more informed decisions to support all students learning.

What are some examples of standardized testing that might be used with the grade level you are student teaching?

• MCAs (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments): These are state tests in reading, math, and science. Students in 3rd through 5th grade take these tests to show how they are performing compared to state standards.

• FastBridge (aReading & aMath): These tests help determine students’ current skill levels in reading and math. Teachers use the results to form small groups for targeted instruction in both subjects.

In your own words, describe the 'formative assessment' practice?

Formative assessment is a way for teachers to check how students are learning while a lesson or unit is still happening. It includes things like asking questions, giving quick quizzes, observing students, or having them do small tasks. The goal is to see what students understand, catch any misunderstandings early, and adjust teaching to help students improve before a final grade or test.

How does formative assessment help teachers improve their lesson planning and instructional decisions while teaching?

Formative assessment helps teachers see how well students are understanding the material while the learning is happening. By checking students’ progress through quizzes, questions, observations, or class activities, teachers can spot areas where students are struggling and adjust their lessons right away. This allows them to reteach concepts, give extra support, or change their teaching strategies to make sure all students can succeed.

What are some examples of informal and formal formative assessment practices that a teacher can engage in a classroom setting?

Formal Formative Assessments:

• Short quizzes or exit tickets

• Written reflections or journals

• Small projects or presentations

Informal Formative Assessments:

• Asking questions during class discussions

• Think-pair-share activities

• Quick polls or hand signals to check understanding

• Listening to students explain their thinking

• Spot-checking student work during independent practice