What and How to Assess

• Fluency in writing
• Reading level and comprehension
• Learning style (multiple intelligences: Word Smart, Logic Smart, Picture Smart, Body Smart, Music Smart, People Smart, Nature Smart)
• Mathematical understanding and retention
• Academic ability across other subject areas

• Alone
• In small group setting
• In classroom setting
• At home

• Interests and  hobbies
• Language(s) spoken at home
• Home situation and family background
• Health if it may be an issue
• Strengths and needs

• Self-esteem
• Self worth

• Quizzes
• Worksheets
• Writing samples
• KWL lists
• 1 on 1 and group reading conferences
• Group discussions
• Checklists and rubrics

• Observation
• School records
• Conversations with parents
• Group discussions and conferences

• All About Me worksheets and activities
• Personal teacher stories, which pave the way for personal student stories
• Parental input
• Interest surveys and questionnaires

• Journal
• Discussions
• Observation

√  Above all, LISTENING to students will provide the most information.

√  Former teachers, anecdotal records and collections of work can give insight into all of these areas.

√  Reciprocal journals, which are not to be evaluated, provide the space students need to reveal anything and everything about themselves in all of the above categories.

√  Class meetings where students reveal what they liked and did not like about a day’s lessons reveals their standpoint.

√  Portfolios exhibit what students have learned and what they are most proud of.