Assessments FOR Learning

During class tonight we discussed the difference between assessments OF and assessments FOR learning. Are educators trained to build quality assessments that truly address student learning and outcomes? Have our universities taught new teachers how to create assessments that truly address the FOR learning movement? Come to think of it, has the post secondary environment educated administrators about these assessments that positively impact achievement scores when effectively designed? I would say, NO, what do you think?

I would love to know what today's educators find helpful in addressing the FOR learning assessment tool. Where do you go to learn about this concept? What tools are you using to enrich the lives of teachers, so they become knowledgeable regarding assessments? If you have any answers, suggestions or ideas I would love to hear from you.

Backward Designing

I have been reading Understanding by Design published by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe. It affirms what I do as a teacher and administrator at my local school. We are currently using achievement data and curriculum standards to develop classroom assessments prior to planning lessons. Beginning with the end in mind is what it is all about! Effective teaching is starting with the outcomes one expects from students. Those outcomes are then developed into essential questions to create an inquiry based learning environment for the learner. I can't wait to read more! It truly is about the LEARNING not the TEACHING!