Assessments

Mastery Learning and

Individual Tests

These are the tests traditionally found in math classrooms most often. College math classes still do a lot of individual assessments and it is important to mimic that experience in high school as well.

All my individual tests and quizzes are standards based. This means each question is linked to a standard. Instead of getting one big overall score for the test, students receive multiple scores for the different standards tested.

I believe in Mastery Learning, sometimes it takes students longer to master a standard. Therefore I use grade replacement on Individual Tests. Once a standard is retested, the old score in the grade book no longer counts, and the new score replaces it. This not only gives students more time to review and practice the topics, but it also keeps students accountable to keep learning and not forget topics.

I also work in time to do test corrections to help students improve upon the standards through the year.

Team Tests

At the end of each chapter students take a team test. This test consists of 1 or 2 more challenging questions. I usually choose modeling and/or real life application problems. Since team work plays such a huge role, having team tests reinforces this idea. They are also great practice for the CAASPP Math Performance Task. Students get two scores, one is on the accuracy of the mathematics, the other is on teamwork participation (similar to a participation quiz).

After the Team Test, students do Team Test Reflections. I don't give students their test scores until after Team Test Reflections. I provide guiding questions for them to answer that are meant to focus in on misconceptions, ways to improve the mathematics, etc. Students also reflect on the teamwork participation portion.

Portfolio Projects

I'm a believer in multiple intelligences and multiple learning styles. This is why I like to have a portfolio project at the end of every chapter. Projects allow students who are not great test takers an opportunity to demonstrate that they've mastered the topic. It is also a great way to have students apply the math topics to real life applications. Most chapters I give students a choice of which type of portfolio project.

Common choices include:

• Create a How To Video

• Create a Model Card

• Create a concept vocabulary map

• Write a Learning Log CEL (Claim, Evidence, Link)

• Real Life Application Problem

Vocabulary Concept Map

Learning Log

Real Life Application

Model Card