Scarsdale Elementary ELA News!
Writing performance assessments can be given at the beginning and at the end of each writing unit. The pre-assessment (diagnostic assessment) provides information on what skills and strategies students are already using and where they have room for growth. This information can inform whole class, small group, and independent instruction. Teachers use information gathered from the writing on-demand assessments to help accelerate student performance by focusing small group instruction and individual conferences to target individual needs. Students are given continuous feedback throughout each unit.
Formative assessments, including analyzing student work, are ongoing throughout the year. Rubrics are used by both teachers and students as a ladder to help lift the level of their writing. This supports a growth mindset towards writing as students set clear goals for themselves. Post-assessments are given at the closing of each unit. Students and teachers can reflect and use the information to help guide progress in writing skills.