Assessment for learning PLD
Develop the capabilities to design and use both informal and formal assessment.
Why focus on assessment for learning?
The practice of assessment for learning has been around for quite some time. So does that make it out of date? Definitely not!
It seems that education is finally catching up with what researchers and great educators from years past could see clearly: it’s the most effective way to create active, self-regulating learners.
The principles are:
clarity about learning and next steps
high-quality feedback
assessment literacy
active reflection
learning-focused relationships.
Assessment for learning is a must for kura, school or kāhui ako seeking approaches that get results.
How do we help?
We assist teachers to:
create an environment that encourages active learners
set clear pathways for their ākonga
use assessment to address students’ needs
give feedback that promotes learning
listen and respond skilfully to students’ thinking
understand and monitor their progress through the curriculum.
As a result, ākonga are then able to:
understand active learning and their important role in it
be clear about what they are learning, and their steps to success
track where they are in their learning
seek and give quality feedback
reflect on their learning and identify their next steps
track their progress and set realistic goals.
Impact of our work
Assessment for learning is at the heart of Evaluation Associates | Te Huinga Kākākura Mātauranga. Since 1999, we have helped schools make a big difference to ākonga/learner outcomes. We know we make a difference because we evaluate everything we do.
Accelerated achievement
Over many years we have evaluated our impact on teachers and learners – on achievement and importantly, learning effectively. Examples include:
85% of kura and schools we worked with made accelerated progress for learners in reading, writing, and mathematics
75% of kaiako/teachers routinely demonstrated assessment for learning capabilities in the classroom
55% of ākonga/learners routinely lead their learning.
The Ministry of Education contracts us to work with schools in this area. Our Director, Michael Absolum, wrote Clarity in the Classroom, a seminal text on assessment for learning. He has led national thinking about assessment in New Zealand kura and schools.
How we work with you
Raising achievement and reducing disparity is at the heart of assessment for learning. We support leaders, teachers and students to reach these goals.
Tailored to your needs. No two kura, schools or kāhui ako are the same. Our consultants will design support that’s just right for you.
Flexibility. A multi-year programme, online courses, teacher-only days, staff meetings, feedback on practice for leaders and teachers, or data analysis and review.
Results-driven. We make sure you are on track for success. You’ll be able to sustain your practices once we are no longer actively supporting you.
The right consultant. We have over 40 consultants. We’ll be sure to find exactly the right person to meet your needs.
In-class modelling. We are comfortable in the classroom, modelling high-impact strategies, across the curriculum.
Video coaching and feedback. We offer online video coaching and practice analysis conversations for leaders and teachers.
