Reflections

     The course, Curriculum Program Evaluation and Student Assessment, covered several topics that will be beneficial for my daily role at my school. 

      The overall review concerning the data that can be obtained from standardized test results, along with the explanations about how the standardized test results are reported will be helpful for me when I talk with parents.  It would have been interesting to look at the NJASK, the GEPA and/or the HSPA to discuss how the test relates to the standards and each school's curriculum.  I would have liked to understand how the NJASK, the GEPA and the HSPA scores should be reported to parents. Are the students' scores ranked across the state?  The role playing situations are helpful in preparing for a parent/teacher or parent/supervisor conference.  The strategy of role playing is one I will use as I mentor teachers in the future.

     The creation of a class rubric was also an interesting assignment.  Students were placed into groups for this activity.  Each group had an opportunity to discuss the elements they felt were the most beneficial for the assignment.  Identifying these elements is similar to deciding the focus for our learning objectives.  The conversation this created was interesting and insightful.

     Creating the class rubric was helpful because it connected the assessment with the task.  This rubric clarified the expectations for the assignment.  I can see how this can be a useful assignment with students.  They understand the goals for their learning which they played a part in making.  Creating the class rubric strengthened my appreciation for not only using rubrics, but for having students create them.

     I will continue to use rubrics in my school.  I will spend more time having students create their own rubrics.  I will encourage my colleagues to use rubrics.  In addition, I will have students use the rubrics as a means of reflection.