Assessment 

My coursework through Granite State College School of Education has provided me with many techniques and strategies that can be utilized to create effective lesson plans.  Utilizing formative and summative assessments are critical aspects of developing effective lesson plans and units. Utilizing assessments in all areas of education provides educators with information on student growth and progress. There are many forms of assessment, in the realm of education; the most common forms of assessment are formal, informal, summative, and formative. Utilizing both formal and informal assessments can be used to plan and drive instruction and teaching practices. A combination of formal and informal assessments should be used when making decisions regarding IEP goals and objectives, proper teaching strategies and program placement. Summative assessments are utilized to measure (or summarize) a student’s understanding of learned material from instruction. One common form of summative assessment is the norm-referenced test. Formative assessments are utilized to determine proper methods of instructional practices. Common formative assessments include observation portfolio assessment, and curriculum-based assessment. The unifying goal of assessing is to ensure a high level of instruction that meets the needs of all students.

When creating a lesson plan, a number of techniques should be considered in order to promote the greatest student success. One key technique when creating a lesson plan is to utilize previous assessments to establish a baseline of student ability. Understanding a student’s strengths and weaknesses allows educators to plan lessons that meet student need. Building assessment pieces into lesson plans is essential. Adding assessments within lesson is an essential part of lesson planning. Assessments can be as simple as slate, or thumbs-up/thumbs down. Utilizing assessments within lessons indicates if students have truly learned taught material. Another key component to lesson planning is self reflection. Reflecting on a lesson allows the teacher to consider what changes (if any) could be made to make the lesson more effective. Assessments should be utilized to drive instruction. Conducting summative assessments such as the WIAT-III and creating an FBA as well as informal assessments has allowed me to gain a better understanding of the importance of assessment within the realm of education. 

Planning for Instruction

        Over the course of this semester I have developed an understanding of the importance of planning with regards to the assessment and unit design processes. When implementing assessment into the curriculum it is imperative to ensure that proper assessment tools are being used. With regards to formative assessment, they should be used frequently to measure the effectiveness of instruction/intervention. Planning is especially important when utilizing assessment to determine eligibility. The evaluator must ensure the test appropriately meets a child’s unique needs (race, cognitive, and developmentally appropriate).  Planning is a critical aspect in all areas of assessment. Proper planning ensures that implemented programs/interventions meet student need. Communicating with classroom teachers and specialists is another critical aspect in planning for instruction. Colleagues can provide different perspectives of student learning that can be useful in the planning of lessons to meet specific student need.   

        Utilizing the common core standards, as well as the student learning profiles assisted me in creating differentiated lessons throughout my coursework at GSC. I was able to target specific student weaknesses while at the same time aligning my lessons with grade-level/common core standards. Analyzing previous assessments, and progress monitoring students allowed me to ensure that students were progressing academically. If I found students were not mastering skills from previous lessons, I would make sure to re-teach or spend more time on that specific skill. 

Instructional Strategies 

        I have had the opportunity to teach many lessons throughout my tenure at GSC. Student engagement is key when instructing a lesson.  Student engagement in learning and the process of learning promotes the greatest potential for student success. The assignments I have completed while at GSC have provided me with several effective instructional strategies. Being able to teach my developed lessons allowed me to apply these instructional strategies within the realm of education. I have also developed an understanding of the importance of assessment and driving instruction.   Implementing appropriate assessment within the curriculum allows educators to best determine what to teach and how to teach it. Once decisions have been made on what to teach, assessments should be utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of instruction. If students are not making measured progress, educators should modify/differentiate instruction to meet student need. Informal assessments could be utilized at the end of each lesson to assess student understanding. Both formal and informal assessments should be utilized to implement appropriate instructional practices.

        I believe utilizing technology and hands-on activities within lessons is important to keeping students engaged. Modeling is another important strategy when teaching new skills or concepts. Modeling, whether teacher or peer, provides students with a visual example of how to successfully complete and assignment or activity. Scaffolding lessons is also another strategy that promotes greater student success. Teaching larger activities or concepts in smaller manageable steps allows students to fully understand the concept being taught. Adding movement and manipulatives within lessons is also important with regards to student engagement. It is difficult for a student to be actively engaged in a lesson if they are required to sit and listen for long periods of time. Incorporating technology, music, videos, and hands on activities into instruction allows for differentiation and greater student engagement.