Formative Assessments Distinguishing between Formal and Informal Formative

Formative Assessments Distinguishing between Formal and Informal Formative Assessments

Formative Assessments Assessment that occurs concurrently with instruction and is used to provide specific feedback to teachers and students for the purpose of guiding teaching to improve learning. This information can then be used to make necessary instructional adjustments, such as re-teaching, trying alternative instructional approaches, or offering more opportunities for practice. Advanc. ED Glossary

Continuum of Formative Assessment Informal Formative Assessment Formal Formative Assessment In the moment Planned for

INFORMAL Formative Assessment • • Standards-based Spontaneous Instructional decision made at that moment Makes immediate use of the information Used to adjust current lesson React on the fly Also called “Checking for understanding” or “Monitor and Adjust”

FORMAL Formative Assessment • Standards-based • Planned in advance periodically throughout an instructional unit • Teachers analyze collected information • Used to adjust lesson planning for the rest of the unit • Opportunity to develop learner’s capacity for self-assessment and reflection

Standards-based Alignment For ANY assessments used, the teacher must consider: How well do the assessment items align to the standards?

Continuum of Formative Assessment Informal Formative Assessment “In the moment” “Planned for” Standards-based Spontaneous Instructional decision made at that moment Makes immediate use of the information Used to adjust current lesson React on the fly Also called “Checking for understanding” or “Monitor and Adjust” Standards-based Planned in advance periodically throughout an instructional unit Teachers analyze collected information Used to adjust lesson planning for the rest of the unit Opportunity to develop learner’s capacity for self-assessment and reflection

Key Points • Both informal and formal formative assessments play a role in measuring student progress • Data is gathered and used to guide instruction for student needs • Helps to inform teacher and student on progress before the end of the unit • Using a balance of formal and informal formative assessments is best practice in all grade levels and subject areas • The end result is that students can demonstrate that they have mastered the standards