Instruction

A common formative assessment reflection protocol provides a structured way for teachers to analyze student learning data together and identify instructional next steps. Using a shared protocol ensures that the focus stays on evidence of student learning rather than assumptions, helps teams compare results across classrooms to spot trends, and builds collective teacher efficacy by fostering collaborative problem-solving. Most importantly, it turns assessment into a tool for improving instruction in real time rather than simply recording performance, creating a consistent process that supports equity and accelerates student growth.

Using research-based instructional practices ensures that teaching strategies are grounded in evidence proven to positively impact student learning. These practices, supported by studies from researchers like Marzano, Reeves, and Hattie, provide teachers with high-leverage approaches that consistently improve outcomes across grade levels and subjects. By relying on methods shown to be effective rather than trends or trial-and-error, schools can maximize instructional time, close achievement gaps, and build confidence that every student has access to strategies most likely to accelerate their learning.