| Tina Walker LIST 5325 � Dr. Hirtle Sept. 15, 2005 Session 3 � Book Club Discussion What do you see that might be engaging to many different students? The chapter states the most effective practices in literacy assessments are those that occur in the classroom between a competent teacher and a confidant student. What do you see that might meet more than one learning modality? Using alternative assessments such as oral and performance assessments, as well as portfolios, would meet the needs of more than one modality. Students who do not do well on pencil and paper test could test orally or complete projects to assess their mastery. With portfolios students have the opportunity to use metacognition and self-reflection as they select pieces to include in the portfolio. This is truly student centered. What do you see that might support hinder students with special needs? Assessments should be tailored to the needs of the student. Each child�s needs would be different and this should be taken into account. For example, if the child has speech impairments, oral assessments would not be the way to go, but they may be able to do performance based test or even a type of standardized test. What do you see that might support/hinder English Language Learners? I think oral assessments would be beneficial to ELLs. In addition to providing them an opportunity to practice using language, oral assessments also allow for them to express themselves in ways that they can�t on paper. If they can�t think of the exact word they are trying to use, when assessing orally the teacher can still gauge their knowledge through the words that they do use. On a paper test, the students must conform to the testing mode and go by what�s provided on the test. What do you see that might be bias in the language used in the assignments discussed in the chapter? The information provided in this chapter did not seem biased at all. It was geared toward equitable assessments for all students. What do you wonder about with respect to equity (in regard to what you�ve read in the chapters? The questions and thoughts that came to my mind as I read this chapter are as follows: � I relate the standardized testing the students are required to take to the certification tests teachers must pass to become certified. It�s been said that some people who would make great teachers are being passed over because they can�t pass the test. Question: If they would make good teachers, shouldn�t they be able to pass the test? Or should we justify their failing the test because some people �just aren�t good test takers�? And if so, could we use this same justification with our students, especially those who perform well in the classroom, but poorly on test? � Do you think the NCLB goal of assessment is feasible or obtainable? � The chapter mentions all students should obtain an equitable and effective education. How can this happen when the quality of the schools and materials are inequitable? |