Chapter 4: Three Important Types of Assessment

This chapter explains the three best ways to assess in a differentiated classroom. The first way is through a portfolio. As with the other readings we have had, this book states that a portfolio is one of the best ways because it can show a student’s growth over time. The second way is through a rubric. One tip the book gave was to only show the students the above and beyond criteria so they only have that to shoot for and they do not settle for a lower category that requires less effort. A rubric should have the objectives clearly stated. When designing a rubric keeping in mind the goal of the task is critical in order to figure out what is evidence that the student knows the subject. A rubric can have more important sections weighed differently and be more technical in nature or it can be more holistic. The holistic version is more objective because details have to be interpreted. The last kind of assessment is student self assessment. This is especially important in a differentiated classroom because each student can set individual goals and see his or her own progression toward those goals. This can be done in journals or learning logs. The student could also grade his or her own project with the rubric to self evaluate. The knowledge in this chapter impacts me as a teacher because I will have to design a rubric and assess my students. The idea about students helping design the rubric is really insightful because then I will know what the students think is the most important aspects of the assignment. If they are way off then I could address the real goals of the assignment before they start. This will impact my students because they will know what is expected of them. They will also be able to set their own goals and see their progress which will encourage them.