Assessments

3 Types of Assessments

Pre-Assessments

Given before a unit is started
Includes questions that relate to the upcoming standards and outcomes
Provides information on student strengths. weaknesses, and misconceptions
Allows the teacher to adjust their practice for the upcoming unit

Formative Assessments

Given formally or informally during a lesson
Gives the teacher an idea of student understanding
Allows the teacher to plan for adjustment in future lessons
Formal example: exit ticket, whole-class discussion
Informal example: thumbs up, down, or to the side

Summative Assessments

Given at the end of the unit
Usually has the same questions as the pre-assessment, depending on any adjustments made throughout the unit
Allows the teacher to see student progress from before the unit to after
Allows the teacher to reflect on their practice for future lessons

Formal Assessments

Formal assessments are anticipated by both the students and the teacher. They give the teacher insight into the student's understanding of specific concepts.

Examples
- Unit tests
- Quizzes
- MCAS
- SAT's
- Projects and Rubrics

Informal Assessments

Informal assessments are typically given during a lesson and serve as a "check-in" to gauge student understanding. They are usually less structured, and test student's understanding of a specific lesson rather than a whole unit.

Examples
- Thumbs up, down, to the side
- Teach observations/ checklists
- Exit tickets

Questioning Strategies

Essential Inquiry Questions

Essential questions start every lesson off. They contain a "how" and a "why" and are addressed in the lesson. Connecting the essential questions to real-world topics motivates students to learn about the respective topic.

Scaffolding Questions

Scaffolding questions are asked throughout the lesson and give students learning opportunities. Scaffolding questions usually require background knowledge, so they help students conceptualize new topics.

Higher Level Thinking Questions

These types of questions serve to expand upon student knowledge. These questions are usually posed at the end of lessons or units to further develop an understanding of a topic.

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