Assessment
Measuring Up
The statistics are public now. The scores on the first Benchmark tests are online. In the four Upper Elementary classes at Denison, there are approximately 48 fourth graders distributed equally among the classes, which also have fifth and sixth graders in their student populations. The teachers looked at the performance of these new fourth graders as a cohort in order to ascertain the cumulative status or “state of preparedness” of the entire fourth grade. Looking only at the Math scores on the first Benchmark test, there were 5 students among our 48 new fourth… Continue reading
Tracking Six Students through the Assessment Schoolyear
How are students affected by the periodic assessments required by the Denver Public School district? Will the tests improve their academic interest or depress it? Will the tests prove to be a motivator or a discouragement? Will students be anxious about the assessments or ignore them? How will the tests affect the daily life of students at school?
To address these questions, I will profile here six students in my class—two each from grades four, five, and six—and then attempt to describe them throughout the schoolyear as they undertake these periodic assessments. I have chosen… Continue reading
