1. Assessment and Data Year 7 and 8
Our aim is for assessment to improve learning not just measure it

2. Agenda
Assessment Reporting Data and baseline testing (MidYIS) STEPS Home – school support
Our aim is for assessment to improve learning not just measure it

3. Three ways of using Assessment
Of learning
For learning
As learning
Our aim is for assessment to improve learning not just measure it

4. Assessment of Learning
occurs at the end of the learning unit
assessment that is accompanied by a number or letter grade (summative)
compares one student’s achievement with standards, predictions
Results usually communicated to the student and parents
Our aim is for assessment to improve learning not just measure it

5. Assessment for learning
assessment can be based on a variety of information sources (e.g. portfolios, works in progress, teacher observation, conversation)
verbal or written feedback to the student is primarily descriptive and emphasizes strengths, identifies challenges, and points to next steps in learning
as teachers check on understanding they adjust their instruction to keep students on track
grades or scores may not be given
occurs throughout the learning process, from the outset of the course of study to the time of summative assessment
Our aim is for assessment to improve learning not just measure it

6. Assessment as learning
begins as students become aware of the goals of instruction and the criteria for performance
involves self and peer assessment and feedback
involves goal-setting, monitoring progress, and reflecting on results
implies student ownership and responsibility for moving his or her thinking forward
occurs throughout the learning process
Our aim is for assessment to improve learning not just measure it

7. Possible feedback Letter grade Numerical grade Mark Percentage
No grade
SHARED AND UNDERSTOOD
Our aim is for assessment to improve learning not just measure it

8. Data Any piece of information we hold for students
Language information
Transfer information from primary schools
Test results, report grades, comments, targets
Attendance data
Rewards and sanctions

9. MidYIS Middle Years Information System Four sections
Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring, Durham University, UK
Four sections
Vocabulary
Maths
Non verbal
Skills

10. Easy Vocabulary

11. More difficult vocabulary

12. Medium maths

13. Non-Verbal: Cross-sections

14. Non-Verbal: Blocks

15. Non verbal: Pictures

16. MidYIS Skills: Proof Reading

17. MidYIS Skills: Perceptual Speed and Accuracy

18. How do we use MidYIS? To identify students who need support
To inform teaching and learning
To identify trends for classes as a whole
To highlight specific strengths and weaknesses
To inform discussions with students when setting targets
To track student progress
To be able to celebrate achievement

19. Traditional Reporting
Based on one formal communication per term
Report or teacher/tutor consultation
Different for each year group
Different format for different purposes
Reports will have an overall attainment grade
Subject criteria
Constructive energy
Our aim is for assessment to improve learning not just measure it

20. Grading
Overall Attainment Grade A* Excellent A Very good B Good C Satisfactory D Below satisfactory E Poor
Specific Criteria
Excellent
Good
Satisfactory
Below satisfactory
Poor
Our aim is for assessment to improve learning not just measure it

21. Parent Consultation
Provide an opportunity for parents to discuss the progress and learning of their children
Provide opportunities for parents to further understand the work students are doing in class
Provide opportunities for parents to understand how students are assessed. For example, with an example of a test or a piece of work with success criteria
Result in an agreed understanding between the parent, teacher and student of the student’s current achievement and the outcomes to be achieved before the next meeting/report/term
Conclude with an agreement on how the student’s future progress will be supported by the teacher, parents and student
Our aim is for assessment to improve learning not just measure it

22. Improving communication
LIONeL
Curriculum documentation
Merits
Concerns
Sanctions
Homework
Attendance and punctuality
Our aim is for assessment to improve learning not just measure it

23. Improving Communication
Traditional reports = disconnect with classroom
Feedback and targets work best when focussed on specific pieces of work
STEPS
Our aim is for assessment to improve learning not just measure it

24. What does it mean for students?
Using data and assessment OF, FOR and AS learning helps students to:
Become more independent learners
Become more reflective learners
Set meaningful targets to help them to improve
Be actively engaged in their learning
Develop increased motivation and enthusiasm from enjoying success

25. What can parents do to support learning at home?
Find out…….
Your child’s timetable so you know what lessons they’ve had that day and what’s coming up tomorrow
Read the daily homework
Which subjects your child likes most and which they are less happy about and why
For each subject, find out what your child is doing well and what they need to do to improve so you can talk about things that can make a difference for them

26. What can parents do to support learning at home?
At the end of the school day…..
Ask key questions about their learning
Start with a subject your child likes or is doing well in and then move on to the more difficult
Look for positives and signs of success as well as things that could be improved

27. What can parents do to support learning at home?
Help your child to review progress
Find out what their targets are
Ask key questions which provide the opportunity for them to talk about what the targets actually mean and what they need to do to achieve them
Identify and discuss patterns in targets
Discuss targets with teachers and parents’ evening

28. What can parents do to support learning at home?
Help your child to become a more independent learner
Resist the temptation to help too much
Don’t worry about not being an expert
Ask questions which will help them to find the answers for themselves
Discuss different sources of information and where they can find suitable resources
Encourage your child to work with or talk with a friend