Managing Assessments: How Do Teachers Do It?

Teachers have a variety of responsibilities, but perhaps one of the most important would be assessments. When teachers consistently conduct assessments they are more fully capable of meeting the needs of each individual student. Depending on what is being assessed a teacher can determine what types of adjustments need to be made for an individual or how to cover a particular section better so that the class as a whole gains a better understanding of it. Humans in general need some form of assessing, it perpetuates improvement. When we are being assessed or assessing someone else we need to keep in mind that this is a way to improve, not simply to criticize. The task is ongoing and is never really completed. Considering this, we need to acknowledge the time constraint involved. Teachers are busy!!!

The classroom I am observing requires almost daily assessments. These cute first graders come from many backgrounds and many are ESL students. The standardized tests are nearly obsolete for these kids. They can't yet compete with other first graders who are performing at grade level. However, based on consistent assessments we know that these student have progressed by leaps and bounds. As a parent of elementary aged children I try to volunteer as often as possible. Many times I am asked to sit outside of the classroom performing portions of assessments with individual students. The classroom I am observing has technicians as well as parent helpers coming in throughout the day, and they too are handing many of the assessments. Consistent assessments are critical to the progression of any student, but in particular students with special needs. Teachers need all of the help they can get.