How Assessment Data Can Improve Instruction

Shellard, E. (2005). How assessment data can improve instruction. Retrieved from https://www.naesp.org/resources/2/Principal/2005/J-Fp30.pdf

Summary:

The article discusses how in recent years curriculum has changed to align to state standards, and in order to meet those standards, frequent assessments are necessary for teachers to ensure that their students are meeting the requirements. The following quote from the article summarizes the need for assessments, “In a standards-based classroom, assessment is an integral part of instruction and that it is aligned with the curriculum. The teacher collects the evidence of the student’s knowledge, their ability to use that knowledge, and their disposition toward learning. Student performance is monitored to promote learning, to adjust instruction, and to report progress” (Midgett, 2001).  The article goes on to talk about the importance of assessments because they assist the teacher in knowing whether the students are learning the material, or whether she has to return to that concept to reteach it. It also mentions developing assessments that are aligned to the standards by choosing specific standards, that are most important, and basing the assessments specifically on those. Based on the results, changes in the curriculum, schedule or teaching method can take place. Using data to drive improvement shows up as a characteristic of many successful schools (Shellard, 2005).