Sunday, November 25, 2012

Testing, Testing, 1-2-3: Is this thing Working?


NWEA, NeSA, CRT, EasyCBM, Skills Pointer, C4L, ELDA, LMNOP, ETC.

Data driven decision making, something we can all agree is a good idea.  Data driven decisions means that we look at how a student is doing and use that information to help us make decisions.  Accountability based on a one or a few tests is what is less popular with most educators. Regardless of our opinions on the use of tests and data for accountability, we know that testing is a big part of our school life.  Let's consider a few questions. 
  • How do we use data to inform decisions? How can we better use this data?
  • How does testing effect our school culture?
  • How can we make testing a positive?
  • How can we make changes in the bigger picture of education? 
  • What do we have to do to compete?
  • How does the emphasis on testing impact our exploratory classes?  
  • How do we create the right balance of preparing students for tests and preparing students for life?
  • What considerations must we have for students who are either poor, english language learners, or have special needs?
  • How do we ensure a meaningful curriculum for students who do not have special needs?
  • What do we do for high ability students?
  • How do we raise our expectations for ALL students?


Sunday, November 11, 2012

Homework: Huhh, What is it Good For? Absolutely...

What is it good for?
Mostly, it is a mixed bag of research.  Some say no value and others say some value.  Most would agree that the benefit becomes larger as students get older.  Most would agree that homework's value comes from how purposeful the teacher is in assigning the homework.  Some say that it is good for public relations because parents want to see homework.

Homework has often been the subject of debate.  It is something that has always been there so we just keep giving it.  So let's take a moment to consider homework practices.

Questions

  • What is the purpose of homework?
  • How much homework is appropriate?
  • When should homework be given?
  • What does research say about homework?
  • In what subjects is homework effective?
  • Should homework be graded? If so, how much is it worth?
  • Why do you assign homework?
  • How do you know students are ready for the homework?
  • Is homework what you don't get done in class, or is it more intentional than that?
  • Is public relations a valid reason to give homework?


Researchers and Scholars
Rick Dufour
Robert Marzano
Alfie Kohn
Rick Wormeli

Brilliant Blogger-(OK, it's just me.  But I think I'm brilliant)
Homework at the Middle Level (just my opinion)
Active and Purposeful Learning
Supporting No Zeroes
Homework Grading Practices