Assessment Data in Instructional Planning
Data is a vital teaching. Assessment data when putting into the hands of educators to inform instructional decisions is what grants assessment its power. Using practical assessment data helps the stakeholders answer significant questions about a student’s learning process (Dyer, 2016). While data use has been considered as a solution for instructional enhancement, the fields lack adequate understanding of how educators can use assessment data in instructional planning as well as differentiation of instructions.
One of how assessment data can be used to inform instructional planning is by differentiating instructions depending on student readiness. Particularly, interim assessment data enables the educator to understand exactly where every student is compared to other learners. This kind of proactive reaction helps the teacher to meet learner at their zone of proximal development, which is a point where instruction is most beneficial to every learner. Another strategy of using assessment data is setting academic goals. With assessments, tutors can utilize the growth forecast as well as learning forecasts to create academic goals with students. Finally, assessments data can be used to assess programs and target professional development (Alber, 2011). Learning institutions can use assessment data to assess intervention programs and curricula, as well as inform changes in instructional planning.
While doing the assessments, it is imperative to ensure that they are appropriate for diverse learners. One way of doing this is by ensuring that I examine current brain research while revising assessments to ensure best practices. It would also be important to modify the methods and learning materials to meet the needs of all students. The assessment for diverse learners should involve reviewing learner’s work and sharing exemplars.
References
Alber, R. (2011, December 6). 3 ways student data can inform your teaching. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/using-student-data-inform-teaching-rebecca-alber
Dyer, K. (2016, January 19). Three ways to put assessment data to work in the classroom. Retrieved from https://www.nwea.org/blog/2016/three-ways-to-put-assessment-data-to-work-in-the-classroom/