How might we assess the richer, deeper competencies in our Graduate Profile?
Like an increasing number of districts and states, Fairfax County Public Schools in Virginia has developed a "Portrait of a Graduate" that defines a richer, deeper set of competencies that FCPS schools seek to cultivate in their students. But principals and teachers still face strong incentives to "teach to the test" at the expense of Portrait of a Graduate competencies like Collaboration and Ethical and Global Citizenship. How might FCPS and other Virginia districts use assessment for learning to bring the Portrait of a Graduate to life in learning and teaching? Fairfax County partnered with EdLeader21 and 11 other Virginia districts to answer this question. Together, the districts in this “networked improvement community” are reimagining assessment as a way to increase relevance and authenticity in learning. Student-led assessment is a process rather than a single event like a test. This process is ongoing, lasting a full academic year or more (with foundations built over several years). And every aspect of student led assessment - from daily reflection on learning, to student-led conferences, to community-engaged capstone projects - requires students to articulate and reflect on what they’re learning.
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