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 * = Section 2: Assessment Principles and Practices = ||

Introduction
Students use a number 2 pencil to answer multiple choice questions. Students present a short film they created that teaches citizens how to protect Earth’s water sources. Students write in their Learning Journals. Which of these is a high-quality assessment?

In this section you will consider historical and contemporary perspectives on assessment and student achievement. You will also explore a broad view of assessment that includes various types and purposes, each having its own strengths and weaknesses. You will learn how to match your learning goals to appropriate assessment methods that will not only measure but also promote student learning. You will also consider principles of effective assessment, including the importance of having a balanced assessment plan in order to promote all students’ achievement.

Objectives
Teachers will: > > > > > >
 * Explain how positive assessment impacts learning
 * Describe how a balanced assessment plan promotes student learning and compare this contemporary view with historical perspectives on assessment
 * Design the learning goals of an interdisciplinary unit and preliminary assessments
 * Analyze the learning goals of a unit and align them with appropriate assessment methods