Reflections

       During this class I have learned quite a bit more about assessment than I thought I would have . Mostly I have learned that formative assessments can be done in a variety of ways and are nothing to stress about.  I do wish that states, and administrators were more on board in agreeing that this teaching to the test and for the test is more of a hinderance on learning, and is putting students behind rather than launching them forward. It is a big stress on educators and I hope that one day it won't be such a problem where tests, passing and failing are the only way to show a student is capable of moving on and making progress.  I also learned that assessment really is not just a test or quiz, it is an ongoing process to show even minor improvement in the academic successes of students. It is so important that we have some kind of formal assessment mark(not just a grade but even just a check to show understanding or the need for help in a grade book). By taking the time to this the levels of understanding in our students will greatly increase and help guide teachers more in making their lessons appropriate.