This week's Formative in 5 video showcases the power of observation. Careful observation is the foundation of a teacher’s formative assessment work. Here are a few ideas of how to keep track of the information you gather while observing your students.
Resources for Implementation:
1st Grade Recording Form
2nd Grade Recording Form
3rd Grade Recording Form
4th Grade Recording Form
5th Grade Recording Form
Your Turn: In the comments, share your Ah-Ha's and connections with using observations to figure out what kids know and don't yet know!
Every 2 weeks we will draw from those of you who commented and one winner will receive a free resource book.
Hi! Super information. I love the examples. I have been using the Attendance reports on Power School to do my guided reading notes. It gives me a full line to write by each student's name. I like the grid though!!! I am going to start using it. It is not as much room, but I like that it singles out skills. I will see how it goes. It is my notes that helps me truly see where kids are at as readers and understanders. I often use those exact notes to write my comments on the report cards. It helps me point out their successes and their need to work on at homes. I have to say, I HATED this new method of grading at first...but now I am LOVING the data that it makes me collect and how well I know my students in each area.
ReplyDeleteSounds like using the attendance reports in Powerschool would be efficient too...as student names are already in and space is provided. Keep us posted on this and how it works! This is definitely a journey for all of us...and glad to hear you are finding this helps you know your students learning needs/successes better! YEAH!
DeleteOh Tammy I am so glad to hear you say that! I agree! When we first started doing standards based grading in Primary, years ago, we were all grumbling about how much time it took and trying to figure out how to keep track of everything. Once I found my grove I LOVED it. I would never go back!!!
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ReplyDeleteEdited to correct an error:
DeleteThanks for the video. The two methods I like best are the checklist and the grid. I am just getting started with the checklist, although I like having one critical concept per page with the sub-targets listed with them. I'm torn between using an electronic version and paper version. I like being able to put the grid onto a clipboard and walk around it when observing students, but I like having everything in one place too. I am interested in checking out the Attendance Reports Tammie mentions above. I could see that being really useful in guided reading. I always run out of space on the grid. I usually write my notes after reading groups because I'm trying to focus on the reader, so I usually just use a skills/strategies checklist during guided reading.
Terry I agree that it is hard to take notes while kids are reading because you are trying to focus on the reader. I always picked one kid in each group to observe or think about and then I jotted notes down after they left my table. Good insights!
DeleteGreat ideas! I prefer the label idea to organize my notes, simply because I like having them in the correct kiddo's file to refer back to later. I really liked the idea of using the grade level recording form to track which standards I've got evidence on and which I need to look for! I find myself gathering the same evidence week after week, so I think this will be very helpful.
ReplyDeleteThat grade level recording form is great because it gives you a quick glimpse at what targets you observed and collected evidence on and what targets you have yet to get to. Good visual reminder.
DeleteI like the label and grid ideas! I think this will really help us note progress as well as support us as we do report cards. Organization of our data is key to efficiency especially as we work through mastery of proficiency scales. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeletePaula I am glad that you like the ideas so far. YES, organizing our data is key when thinking about efficiency!
DeleteWonderful ideas! I ended up taking the reporting form and putting each of the standards on one page with the sub categories on there as well. That way I can take a quick note of where they are at but then if I do it again, it will be on the same page with the same standard. It was great to see kids who were emerging in analyzing theme, to now be profienct consistently over time with just a quick glance at my anecdotal notes (as well as other records to add).
ReplyDeleteThis is Janae Welch as well. Sorry it didn't add my name for some reason.
DeleteI am so glad that you customized the reporting form to fit your needs. You have to figure out what works for you and how to be most efficient. Thanks Janae!
DeleteThe data sheets are great! It will assist when noting a standard on the spot! I don't know how many times I have thought that I wished I had a way to write down evidence when I see it! I will also use it for ongoing data collection. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteDenise Anders
Oh good Denise! I am so glad that you found them helpful and I am excited to hear what you think when you start utilizing them more. I love feedback. If I can make them more helpful for you guys then I want to know what to tweak!
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