I believe strongly in the importance of allowing students multiple routes to express their understanding. I intend to include a diverse and creative approach to both informal and formal assessments that allow students to make meaningful connections to their backgrounds and personalized interests. Some examples of assessments I will incorporate are: creative writing, Socratic seminars, debates, portfolios, workshops, journals, and presentations. These will all serve as opportunities for students to express their comprehension. Literature in my classroom is an evolving discussion: each day developing from the prior day’s insights and students’ areas of interest.

Furthermore, I intend to incorporate self-assessment opportunities for students to practice self-reflection skills. I will provide opportunities for them to ask themselves where they think they are succeeding, which skills they feel they struggle the most with, how they would grade their work, and more. After all, the best way to teach English is to teach students how to learn.

The feedback I give students will be precise and meaningful. Assessments will be used always as an opportunity to locate succeeding and struggling skills for students. I will include positives that encourage a student where they thrive as well as areas where I see potential for them to grow. All rubrics will be accompanied with thoughtful written comments. There also be peer-workshops and revision opportunities incorporated into units with essays.

Slam Poem Writing, Workshop, and Performance

Romeo and Juliet Socratic Seminar

Romeo and Juliet Foreshadowing Activity

Billy Colins Poem "Ideas Noticing" Analysis

Practicing Metaphors Activity

"Noticing Imagery" in Williams Poem