Snapshot of Future Goals

Upon completion of my Master's Degree, I intend to pursue my Specialist's Degree in Technology through Lesley University. I also plan on continuing to teach in the primary classroom.

Engaging Students in the Assessment Process

There are several ways to have students participate in the assessment process. Students can help you come up with a rubric for a particular project. Students can give themselves their own grade based on a rubric. After a test has been graded, students can go back and find the correct answer in their text (language arts) re-work the problem (math). Students can work with a partner and do peer conferencing with discuss ways they can meet the goals on a rubric. Students can work in a study group to evaluate a piece of work. Using identification numbers, students can evaluate their peer's work based on a rubric. Work can be checked whole group with students checking and grading their own work. Students can help you come up with pertinent test questions.

Reflection on Assignments

Assignment 1.1 was quite enlightening, because it really helped to put yourself in your student's shoes when it comes to assessment. I thought it was also very helpful to hear other examples of good and bad experiences when we shared as a class. When I thought about other areas where I had been assessed (and not just when in grade school), it was clear how my self efficacy has been affected by poor and positive experiences.

I also enjoyed Assignment 3.3. I never really knew there were so many barriers to assessment. It was very helpful to discuss said barriers and to come up with ways to overcome them. Now, there will be solutions instead of excuses.

Conceptual Framework

My philosophy on education is quite a simple one: in order to touch a child's mind, you must first touch their heart. It is very important for children to know that they are safe and that they are loved once they walk through my classroom doors. Some of the ways to ensure that this happens is by putting into place some of the practices of the North Eastern Foundation for Children and the Responsive Classrooms' approaches. Believing that the social curriculum is just as important as the academic curriculum is the cornerstone to creating a safe and loving environment. Through encouraging language and class meeting, children feel safe to take risks (both social and academic) and know they will be supported by their classroom family.

Hand in hand with the Responsive Classrooms approach, Harry Wong's teachings on procedures are a must to incorporate. If the first several weeks of school are dedicated to learning and practicing procedures, then your class is set up for success.

In the past several years, technology has become an ever increasing presence in the classroom. It has presented many meaningful opportunities to enhance learning outcomes across the curriculum. It is in use throughout our year by means of the Activ Board, interactive websites in Math and Language Arts centers, the computer lab for research, student created PowerPoints, blogging on the story of the week, and a myriad of laptop lessons.

Classroom assessment has likewise morphed considerably over the last few years. It has gone from answering rote questions on a worksheet to anecdotal records and rubrics. I have been amazed at how students respond when they are given rubrics to complete projects. Moreover, their ownership in the work and the outcome skyrocket when they participate in the creation of the rubric itself.

Teaching is a calling, not simply a job. It is incumbent upon all educators to continue to learn and grow right alongside their students in order to reach their hearts and minds.

What is in a "B"? 9.3

Standards Assessed: 2a, f, g

We have a long history in our schools of reflecting a wide range of factors in report cards. When putting a grade on a report card, teachers consider such things as: achievement, aptitude or intelligence, effort, and attitudes. In this activity, you will consider what factors SHOULD be part of a report card grade. Be ready to defend your choices!

Activity
If a parent asked you to explain why a student got a 2 on a report card, and how it was different from an 3 or a 1, what would you say?

Please start your response to this question by making 2 lists in the table below. Answer the following questions.



Finally, see if you can determine the factors that result in a B on a report card in your class, and explain how a B is different from A or a C. See chart above.

What effect has this assignment had on your own grade reporting process?
This has helped me to explicitly pinpoint the exact measures that I use to determine grades, rather than simply winging it or going on gut instinct.

Essay Questions 8.1

Standards Assessed: 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f

Writing Essay Questions

The student will describe the Georgia Creek and Cherokee cultures of the past in terms of tools, clothing, homes, ways of making a living, and accomplishments.

1. We have been learning about the Creek and Cherokee Indians living in Georgia. Compare how they are alike and how they are different. Make sure you write at least 3 sentences explaining your answer.

2. Think about what life was like for the Creek and Cherokee in the past. Describe how they got their food, made their clothing, what their houses were like, and why we remember them today. Give at least 3 complete sentences for your answer.

Selected Response Questions 7.3

Standards Assessed: 1, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 3

Create Selected Response Questions

Connecting Math

1. How much money is 5 dimes worth?
a. 5 cents
b. 30 cents
c. 16 cents
d. 50 cents

2. True or False - you count by 5's when you count nickels.
a. True
b. False

3. How are skip counting and counting money alike?

4. What number comes between 873 and 941?
a. 759
b. 924
c. 189
d. 645

5. James Oglethorpe founded Georgia before or after the United States was formed?

6. How is a number line (in math) like a timeline (in Social Studies)?

7. True or false - the following sentence is written correctly? suzie haded 5 cookies and she gived 3 to her friend?
a. True
b. False

8. Write a math story problem that has an answer of 10 using correct puctuation and capitalization.

9. How are story problems and correct sentence structure related?