#WVEdChat Archive
The goal of #wvedchat is to provide educators an opportunity to connect, share, and learn from others by engaging in conversations around issues and topics in education.
Tuesday October 18, 2016
Hey everyone! Welcome to Intro urself, ur role, and ur fav formative assessment tool this year. https://t.co/Rc2cG9T2kC
Derek, Asst Princ Wirt Co High, leader of learning. Fav tool this year - and are both awesome!
Rachel, ITRT in Fluvanna Co, VA. Seesaw is my favorite. Doing PD on it next week!
I'm Chrystalle Doyle Technology Integration Specialist in Mason County Schools. My favorite formative assessment is Kahoot
Good evening everyone! I'm Rikki, teacher of students, life-wide learner, and district admin. Excited about !
Howdy all, Jason, Technology Specialist Cabell County-any tool that provides feedback for Ts & Ss simultaneously
interested to follow conversation
Angie, asst principal Hedgesville High, fav this year are all the new things the Ts are trying
Hey Carolyn! I was over your way last Fri!
I've scheduled my tweets tonight because I am en route to Greenbrier County Schools with all our donations from this summer!
Missy Stowers 1st grade KCS is amazing and nearpod
Hey Jana! Good to "see" you again! :)
I am Carolyn - middle school science teacher Jefferson county
I originally planned to go in September...but...
I'll share pictures tomorrow!
I witnessed one of my Ts Kahooting today for the 1st time.
Hello All. Amber- Tech facilitator for Kanawha County. Quizlet Live is pretty cool!
Hello everyone! My name is Deidra and 5th Grade teacher in Cabell County. Its my first time doing a Twitter chat.
Hello All- Sam Butler ELA teacher in Barbour County excited for
WOW Welcome Deidra! Glad you're here!
Looks like we have some new folks visiting us tonight! Hope you enjoy!
I have more teacherson board with Kahoot than I had ever imagined. This and Ss love it
Nicole, elem special ed, Hampshire County- trying out some new tools this year, but Seesaw is still my fave!
A1: Formative assessment is designed for growth. It is one of the first steps to moving to Standards-Based Grading.
A1: PLEEEAAASSSE stop grading FA. But that's a huge shift for most Ts. Lrng ends when a grade is received. https://t.co/dukoXYaRWE
A1-I would say no, because you learn more from the data when it is not under the stress of counting in the grade book.
A1: Participation points, maybe. But if we are grading growth by point value only, I feel we are missing the point.
A1: they should be assessed as a way of providing feedback to students, but not a grade
A1: It would be nice if FA weren't graded, but many teachers use it for grades during the term
Hello Sam! Glad to have you! I don't know too many from Barbour Co area here with
depends on the tool I am using
A1: NO! FA are to check in, check up not a grade. Ss need chance to try it out and Ts need to see where to go and how to change
Michelle Burk, Technology Facilitator, Kanawha County...I love as a formative assessment. Effective & user-friendly!
I feel failure encourages growth. When you learn from the mistakes the growth is stronger.
We're glad you made it! You could be the light :) I've been there!
A1: in math there are not many ways for me to get math except for a worksheet or a fun FA activity
A1: we are slowly moving towards SBG, so no, and most of my grading this year has been focused on growth- i.e., wkly rubrics
Hi everyone, dropping in for a bit while grading AP essays. Jeni Gearhart. English teacher high in Berkeley County
A1: Shifting to risk taking and acceptable failure means not everything needs a point value... FA lets us guide, adapt and grow
A1: FORmative assessment is FOR learning! It's just a checkpoint along the way! Don't grade it. Use it to guide learning!
A1. No, its great for check ins and a quick check, but should encourage growth mindset
A1: FA is a quick check for understanding. Ss are still "forming" their thinking & ideas on a topic- it leads to growth. No grade
A1: I use FA for a check for understanding..but if students know there is no grade...little actual effort...small grades work best
A1 FA should be assessed in terms of feedback and growth to help Ss learn until the SA
sorry just joining Sandra Adkins from WV Adult Ed Conference @ Stonewall Resort
Same here! I did not give grades for a work in progress.
A1) I avoid grading formative assessment. Classroom learning is that... learning. Shouldn't be penalized in that stage
If we are being reflective as practitioners then FA is a chance to model that practice for our Ss and afford them the opportunity
A1 Way 2 often I see Ts intro new concpt/skill, offer assignment, then grade it. Make no adjustmnts for Ss who scrd less than 100.
I teach HS English in Marion. Sometimes mandated FA like Acuity has to have some kind of point value or ss don't take it seriously
A1) participation points sometimes. Though lately, I've been using a classroom blog discussion board. Helps assess formative
A2: Again, all about relationships. Students work hard when they feel that you care. Care first,&they will work without a "grade."
A2 Grades shld NEVER b used as motivatn or punshmnt. Need to qstn ur assgnmnts if that's the case. Likely that feedback is missing
A2: Depends on the environment the teachers create in the first place. I use Google Classroom with my club and they aren't graded.
the shift is tough! The mindset for so long has been drill and kill... Ts need support!
A2: w/firsties they always want to know if it is for a grade I always tell them to do it like it is a grade
and then move on to the next lesson without reteaching any student that failed
most work in my adult ed classroom is FA - generally no grades at all - w/exception of readiness assessments and HSE
A2: Kids can lrn without grades, they can't learn without feedback. Question ur feedback, give HQ feedback, u won't need the grade
A2-This is a cop out for teachers who aren't looking for growth, just a score.
Jenifer - I like using a classroom blog posting too, wish I did it more often https://t.co/zStYU5ZGUH
A1) participation points sometimes. Though lately, I've been using a classroom blog discussion board. Helps assess formative
Participation points too often INFLATES grades, especially when leaning on avg, as I imagine most of us do.
A2 continued I give feedback on their work and at the same time reflect on how I presented the lesson/assessment
A2: might be easier for me (elem self-contain), but we make a bigger deal abt everything else- the tone we set is important
Exactly Paul. As if it means nothing. They pretend that 67 on the paper was adequate feedback.
A2: this speaks to the climate of your school/room. Ss may need help shifting to the learning mindset not the grade mindset
Perfect lead in to Q2 https://t.co/ErZCYYWN5G
I teach HS English in Marion. Sometimes mandated FA like Acuity has to have some kind of point value or ss don't take it seriously
https://t.co/2CgjW90z3J
A.2- I like telling Ss that anything can be graded, but not all will be. SA always, but I tell them i could always grade participation
A2: What is "it"? Is it something meaningful, purposeful, & engaging? If so, they will want to do it. What's your why?
That's good practice Adrin! I like that.
that's the challenge for many- that shift!!!
A2 Getting everyone focused on the process not the product!
I think it prob is a greater challenge for MS/HS
A1 Never formative provides info for growth & future activities 4
A2: I try to create the culture that Ss always strive to do their best work. Sharing student work raises the effort.
I don't always do it, lol. I have a stack of essays to correct right here. I do scaffold the heck out of them tho!
I was going to say the same thing Paul No or little feedback on those assessments too. I wldnt care either
A2) students who participate in classroom formative assessment so better on the summarize. They need to see that practice works
YAY! I see some of my PLN class participating in their 1st Twitter chat!
Important to leverage peer review in some cases too. Allow Ss to develop rubric, prac identifying proficinecy.
excellent - create culture that value learning!
when I think back to what I remember from school, I can't remember any grades, but hands-on/project-based tasks
Too much of Ts collecting grades just for the sake of the grade & report card. What is the quality and purpose of the assessment?
A2 Then re-eval your assignment! What are the goals? Why do Ss not want to do it? Maybe it's time for new approach
A2 Kids want to learn and be successful, they stop when they feel they are a failure and will always be a failure
Awesome Sandra! Can't thank you enough for your support!
I agree FSN should not be graded. It is a tool to guide, pace,check. Linda Runion
Hands on projects were always the best!
A2: Create a culture of learning in your classroom. Inspire Ss to love learning!
Something from my reading: Focus on the strengths, not the weaknesses all the time
My kids are beasts at peer editing! They love it and usually do a good job
They need the chance to learn how to provide effective feedback to others too!
We are a school and use ECHO platform- peer review based on rubric is often used and FA tool 3 question check
always! great chat...friendly people...always welcoming
https://t.co/uLlRDhY25E
A2: this speaks to the climate of your school/room. Ss may need help shifting to the learning mindset not the grade mindset
A3: It's our perspective. Of course we think we "totally" taught it! It's a paradigm shift when they "die" on the test!
A3: Culture of learning built on points not on feedback. Feedback drives learning, points drives compliance.
A3: Test anxiety, fear of testing and results from it, too much testing, giving up for fear of failure
Q3: Ss tell us what we want to hear and not what they need to tell us
A3: Teacher-focused classrooms cause students to "die" on tests!
A3) lack of meaningful formative assessment. A worksheet does not equal critical thinking in my book
A3: The giving of points for participation, organization, compliance "fooled" the T into thinking that meant learning.
https://t.co/k6frEpGcFb
A.3- Ss cheating through hmwk, other forms of FA, Ss not wanting to "own up" to not knowing
Not in my book either! https://t.co/Wec8TdNHgH
A3) lack of meaningful formative assessment. A worksheet does not equal critical thinking in my book
A3: they want to be like their friends, if their friend isn’t asking Qs then neither r they
A3 So many here-perspective, reflection of lessons from Ts, expect regurgitation, high-stakes,
A 3"I taught it, they didn't learn it" Then was it really taught? Need to really examine what teaching and learning are.
A3: Classic example - "My Ss workd on that paper 4 a week, half didnt turnd it n" No formative assess durng that week = SURPRISE!
A3 -- they die if we only teach one process, one way -- not to critically think through processes
A little slow to this, but trying my best
A3 As says, when test results are poor, bad Ts look at the kids, great Ts look in the mirror.
A3-Teacher's think they taught something so well, students bomb. They only really taught the teacher
yes, I was going to say- student cooperation (compliance)
Ts should not be the owners of knowledge. They should be the facilitators of learning! https://t.co/kJuWhmBoWR
A 3"I taught it, they didn't learn it" Then was it really taught? Need to really examine what teaching and learning are.
A3: too much time on the topic? what's the purpose of the test?
A3 Pt 2 Lack of guidance, missing deadlines on PBL, excessive or assessment - is the goal
One indicator used in our math walkthroughs... are students authentically on task or passively compliant. Speaks volumes!
Q3: When the tests and the objectives don't match...or the Ss don't know what the objectives are
A2 Good questions cause Ss to think and respond. Grades don't!
A3: is this an argument to grade FA and skip "the test"?
Excellent! Heard that one before too :) Excellent point Angie!
Ts should design learning with the end in mind. Where do we want Ss to go and how will they get there?
A3: When the tests and the objectives don't match...or the Ss don't know what the objectives are
Doing well Deidra! This is a crowded chat & a bit faster thn normal. But I'm amazed at the wisdom here!
A3 not teaching the way ALL Ss learn
A3 Part 2- When the ways the Ss are taught are low-level thinking that are easily copied, memorized, or forgotten
Another good argument for backward design https://t.co/SbrTJMR4Px
Ts should design learning with the end in mind. Where do we want Ss to go and how will they get there?
I hope you're enjoying your book you won :)
A3 It's impt to begin with the end in mind to make sure you limit surprises! Write the test before you begin tching the unit
Beautiful! Hoping to get some scenery in myself this weekend!
this speaks to DI and UDL -- do we give students option to show their learning in the way they can
Looking like a good conversation tonight ! Bummed I keep missing you. 8:00 always seems to be hectic.
Have a good week!
I am! Have read August and September so far.
Blackwater Falls was beautiful
I try to teach my Ss in small groups when I can so that I reach each student
powerful words "feedback drives learning, point drives compliance https://t.co/JZkvULM6HV
A3: Culture of learning built on points not on feedback. Feedback drives learning, points drives compliance.
Please let us know what you think of it when you finish!
A4: Math - Assigning problems for Ss after ur lesson, grading for completion the next day.
A4: Anything you are using to evaluate what they have learned, not where they are... exams, final projects, term papers...
A4: Seesaw, Google Classroom (yes I know WV is Microsoft but I love GC!)
A3 Factors that lead to a surprised T after a SA...simple...did not utilize or to drive learning for all Ss
A4) final exams, end of unit exams, last draft of essays... the "no revision" grades
A4 Anything graded, quizzes, exit tickets, tests, etc. If it measures what u want them have learned, its not formative
A 4 regurgitation activities
A.4. Anything that takes a long time to grade, rather than glance over to judge if a student has grasped a singular concept
A4 Anything that measures the destination. FA is about the journey.
A4 Science - Giving a grade for completing fill-in-the-blank study guide while T goes over it. Yes, I've seen it.
A4 dare I say it but the big Smarter Balanced test
That's a good point! Hadn't thought of it like that
A4-OneNote, Edmodo, I hear great things about SeeSaw
Thx for validating my thoughts! https://t.co/xKFgFsI10i
A4: Anything you are using to evaluate what they have learned, not where they are... exams, final projects, term papers...
A4 Learning is a process... anything with finality is NOT formative
A4 ELA - Points for reading journals
there is not finality in any learning, only considered final b/c Ts are required to put a grade in the gradebook
Excellent. Summative is the destination. Show me what you now know!
We need to shift the system focus.
A4 I’m guilty of using them weekly but weekly reading tests are not always the best either
I am trying to participate but I don't see the questions just responses
A4: Ss copying notes off the board. 😳
I think too that we have to remember to assess in a variety of ways. Assess early, assess often https://t.co/HnzqdIRXrN
there is not finality in any learning, only considered final b/c Ts are required to put a grade in the gradebook
DING DING did this all the time in high school and learned NOTHING!
A4: basically anything that gets a grade the Ss can not improve
also, allow for Ss to continue to show mastery on concepts throughout the entire year, not just SA
A4: Projects that tie together standards. Ss created books, stories, persuasive writing & presentations, Ss applying skills
that was my thinking- have to have something for the grades... why I try not to stress the grades
Oh my... Used to be guilty 6 yrs ago. Bad practice. Please don't give grades for copying notes.
A5 Be flexible w/ WHEN Ss assess. It will eliminate 25 Ss taking assmnt at once. Easier to give descrptv fdbck to 7-8 Ss n 1 prd.
A5: I had a "Twitter" board with post-its. We used that daily to reflect, revise, and change!
YES, another big shift. Grade shld reflect the MOST RECENT performance of lrng target.
A5- in I can add a comment to things that my firsties do to encourage them
A5: Give feedback on discussion posts in GC and ask further questions. Took awhile but I got all 55 kids done!
it has to be a systematic approach and not just a single Ts approach. I understand your position with this.
A5 I provided 1:1 conference after each summative assessmnt last 2 yrs. Part of feedbck cycle n my math class. Convos were powerfl
Q2 I respond that it is their choice but they won't learn for the projects that are gradedRule 4 in my class is make smart choices
That's it- early, often! Agreed!
I meet with Ss in small conferences to check- I use the 3 question check one CCRS at a time (r u interested, hru doing, etc.)
A 5 Conversations. So much can come from discussion. Guidance, reflections and growth
I've been there too Sam. Unleashed a barrage of resources, work of & others.
A4) Feedback on assignments .. we revise most essays, chats with students
A5: parking lot system to get their their feedback of Likes, Didn't like, Want to know??
A5) with class discussion, students provide feedback to each other, also on class blog, students reply to each other
A5: I like giving feedback during small groups.
I'm evidence. Lrnd nearly everything I know abt gradng & assessmnt frm Had no guidnce from schl-dstrct PD
This is my 3rd rule I have in my classroom! https://t.co/pf5J8IRLra
Q2 I respond that it is their choice but they won't learn for the projects that are gradedRule 4 in my class is make smart choices
A5 It's hard w/140 English ss but I try to circulate during indep work and writing time & give specific feedback on papers
WOW, this is a POWERFUL conversation. Going to be an awesome transcript!
A5: Silent discussions where Ss get to reflect & respond to the topic with one another. Then revw to see their depth of knowledge
A5: Experimenting with for giving feedback on essays which is usually where I start drowning in paperwork
Sorry I'm late! Kim Goff, SREB Math consultant, and I believe in the orchestration of Formative Assessment Lessons from MARS
You win the honesty award! https://t.co/YacMWoKGcY
Oh my... Used to be guilty 6 yrs ago. Bad practice. Please don't give grades for copying notes.
A5: comments on Seesaw posts, we also look at posted items on feed and comment together
Glad to have you at any time Kimberly! Always good insight from you.
I haven't experimented with this yet. Would you recommend it for a middle school ELA teacher? https://t.co/h0Mvy1ehiG
A5: Experimenting with for giving feedback on essays which is usually where I start drowning in paperwork
I love the voice feedback feature!
I have the same rule. What you do now will help your grade tomorrow!
really trying to focus on what Ts need! Want to encourage their love of learning and teaching
A5: wkly rubric reviews, set our schedule this yr so we have extra small grp time, able to give more focused feedback and support
A5 Conversations with small group or ind. Ss about their progress, failures, and successes.
Q4 observations, student conferences, journals, thumbs up to show you know
A5 BEST thing u can do is establish a culture of lrng! Remove pnt grabbing, make lrng the focus. Ss will… https://t.co/vGdt8175AD
A1: Formative assessment informs learning and instruction. It shouldn't be graded, but the purpose should be clear and shared
And that focus is clear, in my opinion, from 4 hours away :) You guys have the best interests in mind!
A.6. When they can successfully teach it to someone else
They have that look! The look where the light finally came on! It's my favorite part of being a teacher! https://t.co/Lx59KWMkdp
A5: Just-In-Time conversations with students to guide learning.
A6 when I ask them Qs about the skill we have been working on and their little eyes light up because they know the answer
A6:When they can explain, draw or model the concept in their own way/works
A6 Ss are confident when they have mastered the concept...and they smile.
A6: When they can "teach" the material to each other; converse about the topic; relate it to their world!
I was going to say, "when their little faces light up!"
A6: When they can apply their learning to an application project that makes them go beyond just knowing an answer
Q6-You really understand when you can improvise the information and teach it to someone else.
So far, that's my favorite part, though I haven't explored some of the other features much
A6) they care about their work, they care abt getting better, not just getting a grade. Lightbulb moments can happen a year later
Q6: In discussions you can "feel" their DOK. Or they can select the Hamilton song that truly matches the topic
A6 Gr8 prac to have Ss invstgte what proficncy shld look like, what it dsn't lk like. If they can create good test Qs, they got it
A6: it can be a long struggle sometimes, but when there is a boost in their confidence, we know!
A6 when they can tell a peer what they have done and why
A 6 Learning happens when Ss have internalized the idea. It becomes part of their repertoire of ideas/concepts/tools
A6 When my Ss created FA check-ups lst yr "Mr. O, I feel like I'm asking same Q." "How else cld u check to c if Ss can do...?"
Q5 conferences where you set goals that are specific for the student. Not everyone has the same goals or needs
These were great to see today! And the voting!
A2: "You don't want me to take a grade right now. This is your chance to figure out what you still need before it 'counts'."
A6: When they have "the look" and when they can explain it to someone else
A6 Ss know it when they can make connections that I didn't plant in their minds esp cross-curricular!
Thanks for this evening guys it was the pick me up I needed for a long week
Hi Donna! You probably know my friend Good to have you!
Good to hear Melissa! Have a great rest of the week!
Thx to those in the tonight. Thx to for moderating, excellent topic to keep us moving forward with our thoughts.
I do! He's our new Assist Prin. Great guy! And thanks!
What great projects for student to complete and meaningful
lightbulb moments are the best! especially w/younger students. it puts a smile on your face too
MAN! I'm blown away by the knowledge here all the time. Surprised. I didnt know there were so many expermntng w/ SBG n our state!
