Assessing student progress

Teachers must accurately gauge student learning from previous years.

Whether student progress is on pace, advanced, or incomplete, assessments can help diagnose where students are on their learning journeys. With the right assessment strategies, teachers can better support student progress.

Of course, assessment strategies come in various forms, but their goal remains the same: to respond to evidence and facilitate growth.

As such, it can be helpful to use the PlanWise tool from ETS. This Google DocsTM browser extension provides research-backed suggestions to develop lesson plans that address students' knowledge gaps and create focused learning paths.

Through technology like this, we can strengthen our instructional approaches in real time as we adjust to different student pathways. 

Customize education to meet each student's unique needs, strengths, and skills.

By implementing personalized learning strategies, we can ensure that students of all levels of prior achievement thrive in the classroom.

Note: Personalized learning does not replace intervention programs, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), or 504 plans. Instead, it complements these supports and creates an inclusive learning environment.

Differentiate instruction for enhanced learning.

In our classrooms, differentiated instruction extends the skills and knowledge of every student, regardless of their starting point. Teachers fashion multiple approaches to content that suit different learning styles so all students gain a better hold on how to make sense of ideas and demonstrate their learning.

The end results? Increased student engagement and improved overall learning outcomes.

Contribute to students' metacognition.

Metacognition is the data students can use to examine their own work and learning process. Assessments use clear targeting and success criteria to help students understand how they are progressing, what skills they are building, and what outcomes they would like to achieve.

This process is intensely personal, and it helps to strengthen bonds between the student and the curriculum. As educators, we can employ informative assessments in this empowerment step for students to own their learning journeys. 

Improving student outcomes

As teachers embark on their individual journeys, it is crucial to embrace effective assessment strategies and personalized learning approaches.

Utilizing resources like ETS’s PlanWise tool can support our assessment planning and help create focused learning paths. By implementing personalized learning and differentiated instruction, teachers can ensure that students receive the tailored education they deserve.

Together, these strategies enhance student achievement, promote inclusivity, and lead to improved learning outcomes for students.  

Get a head start on assessment work in the classroom.