D659 Key Terms Study Guide

Assessment

Mechanism for gauging students' understanding, progress, and achievement in various subject areas.

Formative Assessment

Used during the learning process to gauge student understanding and guide further learning.

Summative assessment

A tool for evaluating student learning at specific points, such as at the end of a unit, semester, or academic year; often in the form of a quiz or test.

Assessment Of Learning (summative assessment)

Takes place at the end of a lesson or unit to see how much students have learned; usually involves tests, projects, or other activities that show what students know and can do.

Assessment For Learning (formative assessment)

A way for teachers to understand how well students learn as they teach; helps teachers decide what to teach next and how to teach it better.

Assessment As Learning (formative or diagnostic)

A way for students to actively assess their learning progress.

Formal Assessments

structured evaluations that adhere to predetermined criteria and are often standardized

Informal Assessments

more flexible and spontaneous, occurring during everyday classroom activities

Steps for using Assessment to monitor student progress

Step 1:

Determine students’ skill level.

Steps for using Assessment to monitor student progress

Step 2:

Set SMART goals

Steps for using Assessment to monitor student progress

Step 3:

Observe and gather evidence

Steps for using Assessment to monitor student progress

Step 4:

Compare student data against learning standards and benchmarks.

Steps for using Assessment to monitor student progress

Step 5:

Communicate progress with parents

Progress Monitoring:

The ongoing process of using assessment data to track students' academic growth and development.

Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-bound (SMART) goals:

An essential framework used in education for setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound objectives to guide and evaluate progress effectively.

Backward Design:

A strategic approach to curriculum planning that starts with identifying clear end goals or learning outcomes of a course or lesson before planning the instructional strategies and assessments.

Instructional Strategies:

The approaches and methods that educators use to help students achieve the desired learning outcomes.

Instructional Activities:

the tasks and exercises students engage in to learn the content and skills outlined in the curriculum.

Content Standards:

Also known as academic standards or curriculum standards, outline the specific knowledge, skills, and concepts that students are expected to master at a particular grade level or course.

Learning Objectives:

A specific, measurable statement that describes what students should know, understand, or be able to do as a result of instruction.

Condition:

The specific circumstances under which the assessment takes place or learning occurs, including any necessary tools or resources.

Behavior:

The action or skill students are expected to demonstrate to produce observable and measurable outcomes.

Measurable Criterion:

The rate at which students are expected to perform.

Summative Assessment:

A tool for evaluating student learning at specific points, such as at the end of a unit, semester, or academic year; often in the form of a quiz or test.

Formative Assessment:

Used during the learning process to gauge student understanding and guide further learning.

Data Literacy:

The ability to understand, analyze, and interpret data to make informed decisions about teaching and learning.

Data:

Any information that can be used systematically to inform instructional practice.

iterative Inquiry Cycle:

A process of continuous investigation, reflection, and adjustment based on gathered data to improve teaching and learning.

Cumulative Files:

Comprehensive records that contain a student's academic and behavioral history, typically including grades, standardized test scores, attendance records, and any disciplinary actions.

Standardized Tests:

Assessments administered and scored in a consistent manner to ensure uniformity and comparability of results across different test takers or groups.

Quantitative Data:

Numerical data that can be measured and quantified, providing objective and statistical information about a phenomenon or event.

Qualitative Data:

Nonnumerical data that is descriptive and provides insights into the underlying reasons, opinions, or motivations behind observed behaviors or trends.

Pie Chart:

A visual representation that illustrates the distribution or composition of a whole, such as the percentage of students in each proficiency level.

Bar Graph:

A graphical representation that compares different categories of data, such as the average scores of students in different subjects.

Box Plot:

A graphical representation that shows the spread and distribution of student scores or grades, including the minimum, maximum, and median scores.

Line Graph:

A visual representation that shows trends or changes over time, such as the improvement in student performance throughout a specific unit.

Outliers:

Data points that significantly differ from the rest.

Trends:

Patterns or recurring themes that emerge over time.

Data-Driven Decision-Making:

Using student data and information to guide instructional practices, curriculum planning, and school policies, aiming to improve student learning outcomes and overall educational effectiveness.

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