Though tests (especially standardized tests) may be the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word
assessment,
comprehensive assessment encompasses a wide range of methods for evaluating a child's social and emotional and academic abilities. As a parent, it's important that you know about alternative types of classroom-based assessments, in addition to traditional tests and the standardized tests provided by our school and state education department. Most recently at Itasca ISD, students have been given a beginning of the year NWEA MAP assessment as well as assessments for other classes to determine current skills level toward learning objectives. Feel free to ask for feedback regarding student performance on these assessments. Below are some things you can do to make sure you understand about student assessments.
*Take advantage of a parent-teacher conference to ask about their assessment strategies and what assessments will likely be given.
* Ask the following questions:
"Based on your assessments, what are my student's strengths and weaknesses?"
"Is my student showing growth in their learning?"
"What can I do at home to support the learning?"
"What kinds of questions can I ask my student daily about your class?"
"Is there technology you recommend that would support my student in self-directed learning?"
For students, the ultimate support system is not an expert teacher, but an informed and supportive family.
