Description:

During the 2022-20223 school year, I was able to observe and offer input on a student’s individualized education plan (IEP).  This was a project for a class that I was taking at TCC. The special education teacher and I worked together to compile the attached information about the student. Included are the present levels of performance, math goal with benchmarks, and reading goal with benchmarks which were included in the EasyIEP system. (Please note: fictitious name, placed in document format)

Connection:

Performance indicator 7J states, “The competent teacher uses assessment results to determine student performance levels, identify learning targets, select appropriate research-based instructional strategies, and implement instruction to enhance learning outcomes.”  The assessment results were from the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), report card, previous goals, and teacher observations.  Using this information, we were able to make recommendations for new goals for the next year.

Learned:

This was part of the IEP process.  I learned that every point made in the document must be substantiated by data.  There is no room for personal opinions or conjectures.  Since this is a legal document and the parents must buy-in to it, it is important to justify everything that is written with evidence. 

Description:

For me, the easiest and most common type of formative assessment tool is the exit slip.  I’ve attached various types that I have used, from Teachers Pay Teachers.  To help monitor student progress and gain insight on what the student learned and what I may need to revisit, my student completes some form of an exit slip. Also, it assists the students in monitoring their own progress which leads to independent learning.

Connection:

Performance indicator 7K states, “The competent teacher appropriately uses a variety of formal and informal assessments to evaluate the understanding, progress, and performance of an individual student and the class as a whole.”  Using exit slips, I can check the understanding of the student with short turnaround time.  Therefore, I can answer questions and correct any misconceptions.  Also, I can see trends for the group so that I can alter my instruction.,

Learned:

The most important benefit for me as a teacher is the individual response without the help of others and the timeliness of the response.  So, students can be truthful without fear this also leads to relationship building because students will share everything. Next, the timeliness because the information is available immediately after instruction.  This makes it easier to respond to misconceptions and answer questions.