“Assessment is today's means of modifying tomorrow's instruction.”
― Carol Ann Tomlinson
― Carol Ann Tomlinson
Assessment in education is more than handing out grades. Assessment is understanding each student as an individual, their progress, strengths, challenges, circumstances, and areas for improvement. Assessment not only helps determine a student’s mastery of a subject, but more important, helps to determine a student’s overall growth.
Assessment should have a holistic approach to each student, and not merely a number. While grades have their place, they shouldn't be the primary goal. The goal is to encourage learning and development. Assessment should empower students. Assessment are guideposts on a student’s academic journey. It identifies not only areas for improvement, but also strengths.
Assessment is dynamic. It can helps teachers improve their instruction and tailor their decisions and approach to meet the individual needs of their students. Assessments come in many ways and should be ongoing. Constant assessment enables teachers to adjust in real-time.
Assessment is also fair, inclusive, and equitable. Students come from diverse backgrounds and all have unique learning styles and needs. When teachers understand and acknowledge those differences, they can ensure that all students have equitable opportunities to demonstrate their knowledge and skills, such as using alternate methods of assessment or accommodations for students with special needs.
If asked by my administration about my philosophy of assessment, I would emphasize it as a method to foster growth and understanding rather than solely determining grades. I would highlight the importance of student individuality, the need to know a student, to best help them in their educational journey.
My philosophy of assessment is a method to promote learning and understanding while catering to individual needs. It’s a dynamic process that is ongoing.
