W/Z *How do you feel about assessment? It is a necessary part of teaching, as it is what drives my teaching and meets the students individual needs. Sometimes it can be time consuming, but I feel confident in how I use it. r *How do you plan for assessment? We have a whole school assessment schedule to follow. I check to see what week assessments are due and then incorporate them into my teaching, according to what areas of the curriculum they fit into. I try not to overload my students. I also need to make sure that each student does the ‘test’ appropriate to his or her level i.e. the SWST (Single Word Spelling Test). *What would you say the purpose of assessment is? To drive my teaching and meet the needs of every individual student in order to move them all forward. *What kinds of assessment do you use? - Single Word Spelling Test -VCOP writing - Essential numeracy Assessment -PATR - Fountas and Pinnell reading assessment - Some elements of the Marie Clay Observation Survey for low students Our school also uses (in upper or lower grades) -English Online Interview - Maths online interviewe - DRA reading assessment -PATM - On Demand -NAPLAN -ICAS testing on an opt in basis. *Does your assessment involve diverse strategies? why/why not? Yes, in that some tests, such as PAT R, are used to triangulate data, whereas the Fountas and Pinnell is used to check comprehension, fluency, level etc. *How do you support student diversity in your assessment design’? Most students do the same tests, however, students above or below the level may do a modified or extension version of the test. Very low students can have the ‘maths tests read to them, as we are not testing their ability to read. Some students may not complete a certain test, depending on ability. Is feedback an important part of your assessment? why/why not?Thaven’t really thought about it. I don’t tell the students what scores they got, but 1 do praise them for working hard and concentrating. I praise kids for trying their best, for not giving up, for helping others. So I do give feedback, just not about test scores. I like a positive classroom and I model making errors and risk taking in your work. *How do you document the students assessment and progress? I make up a table (or XL spreadsheet) to track the assessment each term (copy given to Nikki). *What sort of moderation do you use? - Teams moderate together (grade 2 only) - Prep to Two moderate - Whole school moderation on a like task. *What effects does external national and international testing have on the school Scommunity? ~ Students in grades three to six have the chance to opt into ICAS and other external testing. It is very popular at this school. - NAPLAN occurs as dictated. Most students take the test, unless they don’t meet the English requirements (as in haven't been in the country long enough). “Is the a particular education system's assessment policy that you prefer? why/why not? No. I have helped to develop our own school policy and Iam happy with the way that is evolving.