Abigail Pelletier

EDU 351
Barbara Chalou
12/22/14
Assessment Values Statement
Assessment is an integral component of any classroom, and provides information that can
be used to evaluate individual students as well as areas of strength or weakness. It is important
to know the whole child, not just individual components. Evaluation can help to bring light to
areas that may need further attention and at times intervention. It is vital to realize that time,
although sometimes seemingly lacking, can and should be used wisely to allow for assessment.
This is necessary in order to successfully collect and organize important information on a child.
Sometimes simply a quick note jotted down can provide substantial cues about a child. The two
most important components of assessment are objectivity and confidentiality.
One misconception that many may have regarding assessment is that only children who
demand attention need to be evaluated. This is simply false, as all children should be evaluated
so the teacher can get a better idea of how to adapt the curriculum and possibly provide other
resources and or suggest referrals for the child. Observations could also indicate advanced
learning and not just inadequacy as some might think.
It is important to follow up with any concerns in a manner that is appropriate to the
unique situation and ultimately is in the childs best interest. Knowing policies and procedures
of programs and the state is essential for any person working with children. Teachers must
remember to be culturally sensitive to others and aware of how their own values and cultural
realm may influence the way they think and act. All children should be included and take part in
any way they can as integration allows for positive outcomes. Teachers need to be sure to
always include students with disabilities, as well as children of all cultures and backgrounds.

They also need to be aware of how the classroom environment must be altered in order to ensure
the best learning experience for each individual.
Assessment ensures that teachers are aware of any inadequacies that may be preventing
equality and fairness as well as the best scenario for a positive learning experience.
Confidentiality must be regarded highly, as assessment can disclose information that is personal
and should not be shared with others without discretion. Portfolios show growth, current
abilities as well as growth over time. They include student work and this work is used as
evidence. Photographs, videos and notes on each child should be stored in a location that is safe
and locked to ensure privacy. Teachers must be sure to always ensure that they are not sharing
information about a child to someone other than their family without a valid and legal reason.
Authentic assessment involves work that requires students to generate their own answers
or thinking and relates to the real world. There are two types of assessment; formative and
summative or formal and informal. This website has really been a great resource that I have used
time and time again to find useful and relevant rubrics and assessment information for authentic
tasks. I believe that tests are important tools to measure progress and where students are at, but
they should be used carefully and sparingly. This guided reading assessment snapshot was also
really helpful. Fluency graphs such as this one are also very useful. Self-assessments and exit
slips are also something that can be used on a daily basis to ensure assessment is consistent.
Regardless of the type, assessment should be an ongoing aspect of the classroom because it
allows teachers to differentiate as well as guide instruction to meet student needs. Likewise, RTI
(Response to Intervention) measures should be implemented into the classroom and by
constantly assessing where students are at you can make accommodations as necessary to meet
the needs of all learners. I really appreciated this RTI organizer because I believe that it is

important to assess and reflect on what worked or didnt work in the classroom, as well as having
evidence of what you tried in the classroom.
Assessment can truly be a positive learning tool for students, but it can also be negative
when it is not used correctly. It is up to each teacher to ensure that they are practicing
assessment by strict guidelines and procedures. At times, assessment can be overused and a
childs behavior can change as a result. When a person knows they are being observed, they are
likely to act differently. Teachers must recognize when it is the right time to evaluate, and when
assessment would be better left for another day.

It is necessary to also realize that some days

are simply not good ones to gather information and make decisions. A child may exhibit
questionable or negative behavior one day, but this does not necessarily mean what one might
immediately think. This is why knowing your students is such a vital part of teaching and
assessing students.
In conclusion, assessment can be an integral way to allow evaluation of student progress,
effectiveness of procedures, self-reflection, areas of concern and much more. When used in an
ethical and responsible way, teachers can use assessments to better the learning experiences of
their students and provide a positive learning experience for all. In a world of differentiated
instruction and proficiency-based education, making assessment fun, relevant and consistent is
an absolute must. It is the teachers job to know where his/her students are at, and to respond
accordingly to meet the needs of all learners in the classroom.