Math Practice #8

This page provides a very brief synopsis of the formative assessment process with valuable links to "formative assessment lessons" from the Mathematics Assessment Project; it includes connections to other dimensions of the Teaching for Robust Understanding (TRU) Framework.

The listings of reflection questions under each of the five dimensions are questions that can be asked during classroom observation of students' discussion, conversation, and question formulation and responses.

This NCTM resource discusses the effective use of formative assessment in the mathematics classroom. The site provides a number of resources to support the use of effective formative assessment strategies.

Once teachers understand the formative assessment process, these books present 75 (Vol. 1) and 50 (Vol. 2) formative assessment tools, including for each tool:  Description; How the tool promotes student learning; How the tool informs instruction; Design and administration of the tool (how to use it); Connections to mathematics standards; Ease of use/Time demands/Cognitive demand; Modifications possible; Caveats; and Uses with other disciplines. 

Many voices in the mathematics education and formative assessment community contributed to the chapters in this resource.  Major sections include:  "Focusing on Formative Assessment:  What, Why, and How?", "Frameworks, Tools, and Approaches to Improve Mathematics Teaching and Learning," and "Using the Power of Formative Assessment."  Editors are Michigan's own Edward A. Silver and Valerie L. Mills, and they also contribute to several chapters.

This book addresses why teachers should include formative assessment. It focuses on each of "the 5":  Observation, Interviews, Show Me, Hinge Questions, and Exit Tasks.

The MAC provides a wealth of assessment literacy resources and professional learning, most of it at no cost. 

This one-sheet outline of the five key Formative Assessment Process components also provides links to all of the details included in each of the five.  Be sure to click through all of the links for a wealth of formative assessment process supports.

The FAME site offers free learning and resources (and coaching training for those selected as a FAME Coach); the benefits to teachers and students are immediate when teachers put new learning into practice.

"Grading for Equity examines the history of traditional grading practices and reveals the benefits of practices that are more equitable– more accurate, bias-resistant, and motivational."  

This book by Susan Brookhart details the "WHY" as well as strategies and tools for teachers to provide formative feedback to students and help students to use feedback.

This Guide contains 10 different dimensions of the formative assessment process along with rubrics for each to aid teachers in improving the process of formative assessment in their classrooms. It can be used in any content area.