ASSESSMENT FOR LEARNING
Inconsistent assessment practices are a common challenge across schools and Kāhui Ako. Whether it is inconsistency between subjects, year levels, or simply from classroom to classroom, we are often asked to bring a cohesive framework to school-wide assessment in order to support better learning outcomes and provide clear feedback to students.
Tamai Kāhui Ako contacted us for help with exactly this issue—they knew that addressing the issue of inconsistency of assessment would create a marked shift in academic outcomes and confidence in both teachers and students.
We started with a comprehensive Assessment for Learning audit. Working closely with the Kāhui Ako team, leadership and teachers, we gathered data on their specific needs and challenges. From this place of understanding, we designed an approach to teach assessment practices and supported Tamai Kāhui Ako with processes to continue this work on their own. Reflecting on the PLD support, Tamai Kāhui Ako leaders state, “The support from ImpactEd has been invaluable in developing teacher pedagogy in Assessment for Learning practices. The work completed by kaiako has complemented previous work and given rigour and theoretical understanding to Assessment for Learning practices.”
Our approach included:
- Workshops and Training Sessions focused on effective assessment principles, formative assessment techniques, and aligning assessments with learning goals.
- Collaborative Planning where teachers could share best practices and develop evidence-based approaches to developing skills to use summative assessment in a formative way.
- Ongoing Support and Coaching where teachers received guidance on implementing new assessment practices.
- Development of Assessment Tools and Rubrics that were easy to use and understand for both teachers and students.
Significant improvement at each school
The Assessment for Learning PLD focussed on consistency and alignment of assessments with learning objectives. After implementing the new programme, every school in the Kāhui Ako saw significant improvements.
Student engagement and academic performance improved noticeably. Surveys and feedback from students indicated that they felt more supported and understood what was expected of them.
Teachers reported a better understanding of how to create and use assessments to support student learning, clearer expectations and better feedback for students. They also expressed increased confidence in their assessment practices, leading to a more positive and collaborative school environment focused on continuous learning and improvement.
Overall, the Tamai Kāhui Ako Leadership Team reported, “a positive shift in practices through a successful PLD programme. The work completed by kaiako has complemented previous work and given rigour and theoretical understanding to Assessment for Learning practices.”
