Instruction+and+Assessment

Effective Assessment
 * 8th Grade Science Grading and Assessment Plan 2008-2009 **

This year we will be using assessment criteria that are aligned with both the science standards for middle school and the EAGLES. Though careful development and planning we have created a grading system that will better reflect the personal growth, progress, and performance of our students. Each criterion is weighted equally to emphasize the importance of each area in student development in our science program.
 * Overview:**


 * Learning Objectives**

Criteria || Value/ weighting || Knowledge of science concepts || 20% || Participation/ collaboration/ lab safety || 20% || Scientific inquiry/ analysis/ data processing || 20% || Connection of concepts to the real world || 20% || Communication/ presentation || 20% ||


 * **// Area B – Instruction & Assessment //** || ** Evidence ** || **Date** ||
 * B1 **Communicates accurately and effectively with students**
 * 1) Communicates clear instructions to students
 * 2) Utilizes a variety of methods to communicate with students
 * 3) Attempts to engage all students in discussion
 * 4) Uses effective questioning and discussion techniques || 1. Updated Blog. Sent e-mails regarding important information to both students and parents.

3. Utilized teaching methods that foster debate and engages all students in discussion through techniques such as: partner think pair share, small group discussion, whole class / small group and entire class presentations. Posting thoughts and comments on student blogs. || On-going

On-going

|| . Edline is updated twice per quarter with students’ grades.
 * B2 **Defines learning expectations and provides timely evaluative feedback on student performance**
 * 1) Communicates learning expectations considering developmental needs.
 * 2) Provides timely feedback regarding student performance || Assignments and calendars for each unit are posted on my blog for each class.

Graded student work and assessment evaluations were returned to students in a timely manner. Tests always within one day. || On-going

On-going

|| Each major assessment is graded using a rubric. Students are given and asked to self-evaluate and go over assessment criteria before turning in final work.
 * B3 **Uses appropriate assessment techniques to guide instruction**
 * 1) Communicates clearly assessment criteria to students
 * 2) Monitors individual student and class progress
 * 3) Uses the results of assessments to guide instruction
 * 4) Guides all students in self- assessment ||

|| On going

||
 * B4 **Uses appropriate assessment techniques to measure and report student learning**

1. Utilizes multiple sources of information to assess and report on student learning

2. Assesses students using SAS standards and benchmarks

3. Uses appropriate assessment tools

4. Uses appropriate assessment strategies for ESOL and AS students

5. Acknowledges achievement of student learning goals

6. Maintains accurate documentation ||

2. All rubrics and assessment are created using SAS standards and benchmarks ||

On going

||
 * B5**: Motivates and engages all students in meaningful learning and growth**
 * 1) Utilizes diverse instructional strategies and resources
 * 2) Provides opportunities for higher level thinking skills
 * 3) Provides opportunities for active engagement
 * 4) Makes learning relevant in a variety of ways
 * 5) Conveys enthusiasm for learning and teaching
 * 6) Demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness to student engagement || Students are engaged in hands-on learning activities daily in science class. Over 30% of instructional time is devoted to hands on activities and lab investigations.

Projects and independent research assignments are used each unit to allow students to connect content to their own lives and the world.

. As part of all lessons, and in an attempt to make science learning more global, I use my international teaching experience in six other international schools to draw examples from many cultures and use examples that are global.. || On-going

On-going

Every lesson. ||
 * B6 **Differentiates instruction to meet the needs of their students**

1. Differentiates content, process, product, and /or learning environment

2. Differentiates according to students’ interest, readiness, and learning profile

3. Differentiates according to English language proficiency

4. Differentiates to promote literacy learning || Worked with ESOL department to adapt classroom instruction and activities to best reach and challenge ESOL and all other students. Word walls, displays and language development activities / vocabulary lists || On-going || 1. Appropriate technology integrated throughout the curriculum.
 * B7 **Integrates the use of technology in instruction and learning goals**
 * 1) Demonstrates understanding of the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) and benchmarks appropriate to grade level for students
 * 2) Integrates appropriately the use of technology as an instructional tool
 * 3) Uses technology routinely to enhance learning ||

2. In three out of four units students use Lab-Pro software and data collection devices ( [|www.vernir.com] ) to collect accurate information and gain experience using advanced scientific laboratory equipment.

3. Students use Stellarium ( [|www.stellarium.com] ) a powerful astronomy software program to enhance their understanding of related concepts. They use this tool to increase their ability to visualize and grasp concepts related to space and also to answer their own questions. || On-going

First, Third, and Fourth Quarter.

Third Quarter

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