#NHCSchat Archive
#NHCSchat is a monthly twitter chat for, about and by educators in New Hanover County, North Carolina. #NHCSchat is an opportunity for teachers, administrators and other educators in southeastern NC to grow and develop their personal learning network (PLN) by connecting to other educators in our district and around the world. This monthly chat will create a forum for NHCS educators to gather virtually around the common interest of providing the best possible learning experience for students in our district. Chat topics will vary but will focus on best practices for teaching and learning in the digital age and will be moderated primarily by NHCS educators.
Wednesday March 9, 2016
Thanks for joining tonight’s discussion about the good, the bad and the helpful when it comes to the T Word: Testing
Please tell us a little about yourself. Share your name, your school, grade & what you teach. Don’t forget to use the hashtag !
Jessica Scharff, Instructional Technology Facilitator at grades 6-8
I'm Jeannie. Digital Teaching and Learning Specialist with NHCS
Hi! I’m Jennifer! I’m a Digital Teaching & Learning Specialist/Lead Schoo lLibrary Media Coordinator/Chief Trouble Maker. And I <3
I'm Stacey Brown and I teach fourth grade Math and Science at Anderson!
Dave, K5 Science Teacher Castle Hayne Elementary
Cyndy Bliss, principal at Castle Hayne
Welcome! We’re so glad to have you as a part of
Hi I am Courtney Moates and I am the MTSS Instruction Specialist for NHCS. Excited for some great conversation about assessment!
We will be following the Q1, A1 format for tonight’s . Get ready! Our first question is coming up!
Yay! So glad you are here! https://t.co/5gdN25pO7f
Hi I am Courtney Moates and I am the MTSS Instruction Specialist for NHCS. Excited for some great conversation about assessment!
Katie Martin-NHCS secondary lead math and science teacher
Susan Hitt: Lead Teacher for ELA 9-12. I'm looking forward to tonights discussion!
Sasha Wooddell, 6th AIG ELA, 8th ELA, & Instructional Coach at MGMS.
A1. Assessment helps us evaluate our instruction. How can we know if we’ve made a diff w/o checking for understanding & mastery?
A1 To check for Ss understanding and progress to revise instructioal strategies as needed
A1 I feel that T's assess to check S learning and understanding. Are we as T's being effective? Are S's learning what we intend?
A1: Assessment drives instruction. You need to know where Ss are so you can figure out where they need to go and how to get there
A1: assessments can identify students at risk, show growth for students and of course inform instruction.
Yay! So glad you are here! https://t.co/D1TjRv1DW1
Susan Hitt: Lead Teacher for ELA 9-12. I'm looking forward to tonights discussion!
Welcome Katie. Glad you're with us tonight
Q1 Check for S understanding and determining next steps for instruction
To ensure students have mastered the objectives
GatErs [sic] represent! https://t.co/WeZkuxURtb
Sasha Wooddell, 6th AIG ELA, 8th ELA, & Instructional Coach at MGMS.
A1: To know which students have mastered the concept and which need small group instruction to gain a better understanding.
A1. Assessing mid instruction helps us adjust course before it’s too late! Ss deserve Ts who adapt to their learning needs.
A1: Check understanding and guide instruction
Nathan, NC's head of shenanigans
A1. Assessments create opportunities for us to talk w/Ss about their learning goals and help them cultivate a .
A1 It helps answer the question "Are we teaching what we thought we were teaching?"
A1: need to know if the kids get it; if not I (emphasis on me) have to change something in the delivery
A1 assessment allows us to know what a student understands and is a reflection of our communication
Question 2 will be up in just 2 minutes!
mid-instruction is the key, not just trying to fix after the fact (ie. the test)
you missed our cardboard Death Star
Hi. I'm the data analyst for NHCS. Excited to be joining and co-hosting my first Twitter Chat
A2. I’m a big fan of Ss designed assessments. Often they know the best ways to challenge themselves to be their very best.
A2 Even though they take a long time, performance tasks best measure student learning.
A2: Give Ss choices regarding how they want to demonstrate their understanding
A2 we use the 3 question model. What did you do? What did you learn? What ?s do you have?
There are some really great Adaptive assessments out there...iReady being one that some of our schools use.
it is in the recycle bin outside the convention center
I <3 this! When Ss own the learning they take it more seriously! https://t.co/iS8z6mDXqL
A2: Give Ss choices regarding how they want to demonstrate their understanding
A2. Giving Ss a menu of assessment options engages them in the metacognitive process of considering how they learn best.
A2 Open-ended tasks where students show their thinking gives the T the most insight into where the misconceptions are
Like the autopsy vs the preventative treatment.
Those 3 questions tell use everything we need to know
So true! https://t.co/Vfdw3W7Ff0
A2 Open-ended tasks where students show their thinking gives the T the most insight into where the misconceptions are
A2 I like PBL, it helps Ss show ownership and truly apply the material
Things that are worth doing are often tough… but our kids are worth the effort! https://t.co/ZOHlblJnfS
A2 Even though they take a long time, performance tasks best measure student learning.
A2. Allowing Ss to publish their assessment products to authentic audiences creates conversations around digital citizenship.
A2 Self assessments having students act on the evidence of their own learning and take responsibility for it.
A2 Unlike standardized testing teacher assessments do not have to be one size fits all!
OMG <3 this so much. I’m going to use this (and give you credit!) https://t.co/HdofZEP6x9
Like the autopsy vs the preventative treatment.
And with that i think i just broke TweetCaster on my phone brb
again, that student ownership is so crucial
A2 Self and peer assessments may help students think like the teacher. "I wonder what my teacher would say if..."
A2: Choice boards (tic tac toe board) to show mastery of a concept.
can you believe that made the movie to a tv show
A2: Assessing or progress monitoring off grade level is also sometimes necessary to see where exactly students are.
Who’s ready for Question 3?
A2 we discuss still dent questions the next day of class
Just wait NanPowell, we will get to this later!! https://t.co/rT7ysAY6kt
A2 Unlike standardized testing teacher assessments do not have to be one size fits all!
We discus student question the next day of class
Love it! Definitely not a one size fits all approach!
A3. Use benchmark data to plan team teaching w/school libs or CRTs. Capitalize on their strengths to make the most of reteaching.
A3 I see T's using TRC & Dibels data to drive sm grp instruction most. It also drives Tier 2 interventions.
A3 Benchmarks fall between the ends on assessment spectrum; purpose is to plan further/future instruction; not as a punitive grade
A2: There are some great adaptive assessments out there...iReady being one that some of our schools are using.
A3 District benchmarks help to identify which standards students are excelling in and which ones they could use more practice with
Yes, yes, yes! We can help!! https://t.co/oT7ABxORzt
A3. Use benchmark data to plan team teaching w/school libs or CRTs. Capitalize on their strengths to make the most of reteaching.
Thanks for sharing this important point!
Dawn Brinson CTO is online and ready to learn about assessment
A2: Middle School T's - what do you use most?
Q3 I A T recently was using item analysis from schoolnet and saw stumbling block on vocab from her ESL Ss and retaught that word
A3 we use ours assessments as a reflection piece since I don't believe in grades
A3 Benchmark data is great because you get it in a timely manner EOG data you sadly can't say the same...
A3 Data from benchmarks, TRC, Dibels can help teachers know if students are on track or if instructional changes need to be made
I love that! https://t.co/996xBOVTcM
Q3 I A T recently was using item analysis from schoolnet and saw stumbling block on vocab from her ESL Ss and retaught that word
A3: If you are able to dig deep and really analyze assessments they can be a great tool to identify where students are performing.
Yay! Glad to have your voice here tonight! https://t.co/HsJ9qTELaT
A3 Benchmark data is great because you get it in a timely manner EOG data you sadly can't say the same...
Oh wait.. I didn't mention I am in higher Ed and everything for me is skewed differently
That is a great strategy especially if they really dig deep and go beyond just the score.
Quarterly Schoolnet tests help us to see which standards still need some work and which we need to maintain.
And great for math and knowing which standards to keep spiraling back to (ie. fractions!).
Great use of formative data!
How is progress monitoring different from formative assessment?
So agree. Standardized test have left a bad taste in many Ss and Ts mouth, we need to reclaim this tool! https://t.co/1oVv8fYXiZ
A3: If you are able to dig deep and really analyze assessments they can be a great tool to identify where students are performing.
A4. I find it so helpful to unpack standards w/a partner. A new set of eyes can help you discover new/better ways to reach Ss.
A3: nice to see how you compare to the county with benchmark testing though it be nice to see how you compare to similar schools
Absolutely! Assessment should be a part of reflective practice!
Great question! What say you ? https://t.co/AjsvDWRic3
How is progress monitoring different from formative assessment?
A3: Create common assessments in Schoolnet to assess standards taught. Review results to reteach or enrich
A4 Professional Learning Communities are great places to start data discussions. https://t.co/ETIb3zCa1L is a great resource site
very similar in my opinion
What do you mean by a similar school? Similar demographic? https://t.co/vM4kaKWVRb
A3: nice to see how you compare to the county with benchmark testing though it be nice to see how you compare to similar schools
A4 Using google spreadsheets to create graphs helps analyze and track data from assessment to assessment-- leads to reflection
I missed Q4. Can someone repost?
The best part of assessing is the dialogue with the students to learn their misconceptions.
Such as compared demographics and so on. Not all schools face the same challenges https://t.co/yayfgaWDli
What do you mean by a similar school? Similar demographic? https://t.co/vM4kaKWVRb
A3: nice to see how you compare to the county with benchmark testing though it be nice to see how you compare to similar schools
I am skewed differently because I only have a few grades and we focus on the experience
Chance to open conversations about their learning and teach them to be reflective. I agree Lori! https://t.co/9CoH6h4k4i
The best part of assessing is the dialogue with the students to learn their misconceptions.
Q4 Item analysis, but going beyond what the data says, but a rich discussion of how each T taught the concepts
I think it's important for students to graph their own progress after benchmarks and schoolnet test they should have a data folder
A4: I think this piece is lacking at many schools. A lot of Ts have the data but don't know what to do with it
Just one minute until Question 5!
A3: create common assessment in PLC for grade level units. Analyzing how learners performed. Share strategies to reach them all.
A4: I have observed some great PLC meetings where Ts have really broken the assessment apart. Questions, answers, vocabulary, etc.
Q4 Laney has academic coaches in each core subjects who look over our data and help different Ts by pushing into classes
A4 I also love data nb's and Ss taking ownership of their results and setting goals math Ts do it well
A4 I also love data nb's and Ss taking ownership of their results and setting goals math Ts do it well
I think it's important to set aside time for Ts to analyze and discuss data https://t.co/JnmGgqIWED
Data folders are so important - but often overlooked because there is "no time".
https://t.co/5Ea5qKvGAO
My 1st instinct is to say there is no difference. Both assess progress made towards instruction/intervention.
Yes, that plus much more. I saw a big difference b/tw Higher Ed teaching/fac support & K12 teaching/fac support.
A4 Data notebooks help students and teachers understand and discuss the data
I agree students need to see what they need to work on and what standard not just teachers
A5 I see T's using thumbs up in lower grades. Our upper grades also use Smart Responses. Poll Everywhere and Kahoot also good.
A5 Having students keep their own data binders and chart their own growth from assessment to assessment
agree totally. Ts need to discuss strategies they used to teach and possibly consider flexible grouping
Wonder how we can capture and model this? https://t.co/Y2h2QWz5TX
A4: I have observed some great PLC meetings where Ts have really broken the assessment apart. Questions, answers, vocabulary, etc.
A6. Some of my fave analog ways to formatively assess are: post-it note exit/entrance tickets, individual dry erase boards & TPS.
A5: Quizalize can be a great warm-up tool for Ss and Ts and a way to get some instant data
A5: Kahoot is a good tool and fun for the Ss.
my class is like an Edcamp so is not anything like a traditional higher Ed class
A5 math Ts love whiteboards, clickers, Kahoot, exit tickets, the list goes on
True but we hope teachers look at their own data not just compare their data to other classrooms and schools
A4: We probably need 2 be doing the same effort before the assessment also-time being the great limitation https://t.co/RZz9dBTpO2
A4: I have observed some great PLC meetings where Ts have really broken the assessment apart. Questions, answers, vocabulary, etc.
we have a project log that works as an exit ticket
A5 I think something as simple as having them do a ticket out or a notebook problem can give you great info
A5 Anyone ever tried entrance tickets as opposed to exit tickets?
A5 Pair and share between students gives the T great insight!
A5: Google Classroom Question button and Pear Deck! Love that students can see other students answers
A4: Agree! Item analysis and analysis of passage, questions, answer choices. We share motivational strategies in PLC. Kagan rocks!
I think there is a guy in Rowan county schools doing that. Name escapes me
Oh my stars! When did you see that?? I recently updated it with all new tools! :) https://t.co/ynqXRRmfww
One of my favorite PDs was yours on formative assessment!!
A5: I enjoy having students sketch a picture of what they're seeing/thinking
A5 summarizing after the learning is essential - in any form.
That is amazing to hear! It's a phenomenal approach to learning, esp in Higher Ed. I'd love to sit in your class!
A6 Great article suggesting kids “sketch through the text” so we can quickly see their comprehension https://t.co/LdfJkIlyGI
A5: back channels can be a good way to check for understanding during a lesson
A5 It's old school, but I still love dry erase boards and markers!
a girl after my own heart
non-verbal - create a picture map for their brain!
my favorite "no" is kind of an example of a ticket in
A5: is awesome as always - kids love, think its a game not an assessment tool; use the data to inform practices
YES! We need to do a session on student friendly back channels at Summer Institute! https://t.co/JLhcGCJJB8
A5: back channels can be a good way to check for understanding during a lesson
Late to the party...lisa coley, SLMC
AGREE!!!! Use them as often as I can.
We have to include non examples in our instruction!!
A5: It's also an important science skill for observing https://t.co/DZSxreE9Gp
non-verbal - create a picture map for their brain!
A6 Don’t have clickers? Check out this video of one teacher’s great way to check for understanding https://t.co/b40vulKCR1
A6. Individual Ss conferences were always my go to. I believe it’s so important to give Ss a chance to speak and for us to listen.
Welcome. Glad you're here
A6 5 Things
1 Be specific
2 The sooner the better
3 Address progress towards goals
4 Be sensitive
5 Involve the learner
A6: Great idea to have students graph their own results and let them see for themselves the growth they have made.
Non-examples can be very powerful and sometimes the point that drives the concept home for students!
Whoops: all my A6s should be A5s. Sorry about that!
A6: written feedback, mini conferences, growth charts, reflections, & goal setting
Love Today's Meet https://t.co/waRDtgjAh3
We can fix that! They are tools like Twitter, Today’s Meet, etc, that allow learners to discuss virtually DURING f2f learning.
doodle cats don't work as well as advertised
A6: Goobric allows Ts to send specific feedback via Google Classroom
Great minds think alike. Data notebooks are a great tool!
Have to check Goobric out. Thanks for sharing.
A6 I have 6 sets of Smart clickers but have not had much teacher interest. Any advice?
A6 Feedback needs to move learning forward
Almost time for Question 7!
YES! mentioned data notebooks too! https://t.co/nCJ7UJparH
Great minds think alike. Data notebooks are a great tool!
A6 Online "classrooms" (Google classroom, Google docs, Edmodo) make for easy feedback channels (and documented)
A7 plickers, kahoot, actively learn, zaption, google forms, edpuzzle, TedEd
A7: Smart Response, Poll Everywhere, Kahoot,
A7. OMG SO MANY GR8 digital formative assessment tools like: and !
A7 Quizalize or Kahoot depending on what I am trying to assess. Both provide data that can help guide instruction.
A6: allows students to monitor their own progress. Teachers mini conference to help students set goals.
Kids really seem to enjoy the competitive nature of kahoot.
WHAT?? Roland Grise would die to have those! We use them for BW or for quick checks. We have 2 sets. https://t.co/ryYVMdVnd3
A6 I have 6 sets of Smart clickers but have not had much teacher interest. Any advice?
A7: Google forms is a great tool for assessing.
A7 GoSoapBox Free for 30 or less students; The confusion meter is cool
A7. I also <3 , google forms, dot storming and
A7 Zaption and ActivelyLearn embed assessment into classroom lessons and activities.
A7 Formative is another great tool that lets you provide quick feedback to students.
Hey -- I've been lurking in your discussion. Check out this post I co-wrote on analyzing data. https://t.co/P4MWetMxPk
A7 Quizizz is another one!
A7 Again, gives me instant feedback and I can adjust teaching as needed according to S responses
A8: Actively Learn is another good one for ELA
A7 I'll mention again- at the end Ss can give Ts feedback on the questions-Ts get spreadsheet full of data on S answers
A7: the students think it is so fun! And it gives us all immediate feedback.
I have used Poll Everywhere and like it. Kahoot is still my favorite.
So very true and there are quite a few templates that are self checking
A7: Actively Learn is another good one for ELA
A7: Super Quiz is a new one shared that I want to try with a teacher
A6 S are analyzing their errors constantly, that data helps them be wary of those types of errors as they progress, great buyin
A7 we have moved to more written with pics versions of assessment through
Thanks for sharing often folks still are not clear on the difference between formative and summative
Yes, there are. I learned some new tricks today at RG thanks to .
Google Slides as a card sort. Create header slides and students move slides under the correct slide.
Not familiar with Quizalize
A7. I am so in love with right now. So robust! So many options!
A7 so many great resources shared here, is someone keeping a list? 'tkeepup
Okay! are you ready for Question 8?
YES! I think Google Slides are a WAY under used resource! https://t.co/qF3i608lFH
Google Slides as a card sort. Create header slides and students move slides under the correct slide.
A7: Google Slides as a card sort. Create header slides and students move slides under the correct slide.
Students faces light up when they see were using in the library! I found some "state capital" cookies for prizes
A7: No Red Ink for Grammar/Writing. Kids ❤️ personalizing grammar lessons w high interest topics like NFL, music, shows, etc
This puts the question on the student device
Yes. You can analyze both in similar ways, but the types of data and the purposes differ.
A8 Provide actionable feedback to students and provide time for them to act on it
A8 T's being open about how S are performing will allow others to open and have honest, sharing discussions
A8. Use assessment to adjust course, give Ss choice/voice in the process, don’t treat THE TEST as everything. It’s not.
A7: is pretty amazing! The kids ❤️ the content and games
And gives feedback on which Ss are doing well or struggling and how many Ss missed each question https://t.co/nsQxqsCqcX
This puts the question on the student device
Do you do the slides in google classroom? Each student has own set? https://t.co/KPddA0OQt2
A7: Google Slides as a card sort. Create header slides and students move slides under the correct slide.
A8 I just love this question. It begins with the P and down to the Ts in the building.
A8 Involve students in peer assessment and providing feedback to each other. Make sure to model appropriate feedback!
Yes is on fire tonight! https://t.co/0yElyhFLO1
So much great energy here tonight. I have to go back and re-read tomorrow!
So important to provide choices! It makes them feel like they are in control.
A8 Use the information in a meaningful way i e.. not for a grade.
That is a fabulous idea!!
Choice is such a huge motivator for both big and little learners! https://t.co/lKnnINOomc
So important to provide choices! It makes them feel like they are in control.
Q8: Using all of the great resources for formative assessment that everyone has mentioned instead of focusing on giving a "test"
A8: I've always wanted to do student led parent conferences so students can showcase learning.
A8: Creating common assessments and analyze student work as a team.
Hard to believe it is already time for our last question.
Student led conferences can be so effective! Really encourages student ownership.
Make it happen, girl! https://t.co/rAgTI4F2YI
A8: I've always wanted to do student led parent conferences so students can showcase learning.
A8 In a personalized learning environment assessments become embedded in the learning.
A8 Trying out some Maker activities and encouraging teachers to assess process, not product. It's a different way of thinking.
Students, teachers, & parents love these! https://t.co/BKTcvKuQjB
Student led conferences can be so effective! Really encourages student ownership.
A8. Give Ss multiple opportunities to to revise and edit.
A8: Ss need to understand assessment is to help Ts be more effective...NOT just the grade.
So glad you could join us for Hope you will join us next time!
A9: Maybe something how to give Ss more choice in their learning
A9 Or maybe specific ideas for differentiation
A8-Take time to celebrate the little things! Success leads to success!
I'll do some research and find us some good models.
How do you eat an elephant? With help and one bite at a time! Go get ‘em, tiger! https://t.co/zbJNCmmaAL
A8 Trying out some Maker activities and encouraging teachers to assess process, not product. It's a different way of thinking.
Thank you so much for joining us tonight!! has amazing teachers!
Thank you all for participating and for all you do for the students and teachers of .
Great Job Cyndy and Elizabeth
Thanks for putting this together! So many great ideas were shared tonight! https://t.co/czj0BWZi1R
So glad you could join us for Hope you will join us next time!
Thanks for reminding us all to do this.
https://t.co/4GLRKoAAth
A8-Take time to celebrate the little things! Success leads to success!
OMG I <3 so, so much! Y’all are AMAZEballs!
BIG BIG Thanks to our fearless leaders and ! Y’all ROCKED it tonight!
and You guys rock!! Thanks for a great discussion!
I have always had such great success with these . Such growth opportunities for students, teachers and parents.
