Assessments By: Ava Perry Edu 650

My Perspective “Assessment is not about you as a teacher; it is about your students”(Lopez, 2013). In my opinion, this quote means that assessments should be focused on a child’s academic abilities and weaknesses; rather than the teacher’s need to meet deadlines. Teachers should focus on the outcome of assessments and use them to help students in areas of weakness, while challenging their strengths.

My Perspective continued…. After reading Chapter 8, I look at assessments in a different light. Assessments can be hard for many children. There can be a lot of tension and anxiety before taking assessments. If teachers take a different approach to introducing assessments as Lopez did, children would probably do better on assessments.

Defending Our Assessment Practices I would use the 4 questions under “Defending Our Assessment Practices” to introduce my colleagues to a new way of approaching assessments. It will allow them to understand the assessment they are giving, understand why they are giving the assessment, and understand the benefits of the assessment. By keeping the 4 questions in mind, teachers can learn to appreciate assessments and not look at them in a negative way. They allow teachers to have a positive and open mind about why assessments are given. This will allow teachers to approach students in a different manner when administering assessments.

Teacher/Student Partnership in Assessment As a teacher, I feel that I have failed some students when administering assessments. Sometimes a teacher can be more focused on getting assessments done and not making the student comfortable with taking the assessment. I admit that I am guilty of rushing into assessments and not explaining to the child what the test is for. After reading chapter 8, I realize the importance of making a child feel comfortable to ensure they do their best.