Using What You've Learned From Chapters Six And Eight

Using What Youve Learned From Chapters Six And Eight From Lefrançois

Using what you’ve learned from Chapters Six and Eight from Lefrançois as well as other resources along the way, develop a curriculum based assessment (CBA) centered on one of your two instructional plans from Weeks Three and Four. Part 1: Provide a Pre-Assessment Description (One-to two-pages). Use these prompts to guide your exploration of what occurred BEFORE the summative assessment. State measurable and observable objectives (what you wanted students to learn). Describe how you knew learning occurred prior to summative assessment. Describe the instructional strategies used to prepare students for the summative assessment (from your previous instructional plan in either Weeks Three or Four). Explain adjustments you made or should have made to your instruction to ensure mastery of learning objectives. Describe how the use of technology contributed to student preparation for the summative assessment or how it will be added to and contribute to the summative assessment here. Part 2: Design an easily accessible summative assessment (Approximately two to three pages) Identify the grade level and subject matter and a measurable unit objective(s) and align with the stated standard as prescribed in the original instructional plan from either Week Three or Four and referenced from the Common Core State Standards Initiative. Create a minimum of six, no more than ten, problems/questions/tasks for students to complete that include a variety of test item types (selected response, short answer, extended written response, and/or performance). Label each question with its corresponding: Objective(s) (if more than one is being assessed) Depth of Knowledge (DOK) levels (Note at least two different cognitive levels must be measured on this assessment.) Define and discuss criteria for scoring extended response and performance items. Part 3: Provide Assessment Reflection (One to two pages). Define how you determined mastery. Explain how you will accommodate or modify for the special population previously described in Week Four (two students with specific learning disabilities in reading and math, one ADHD student, and one English language learner). Describe how you will use the evidence collected. Grading: You will submit a SINGLE document clearly labeled as Parts 1, 2, and 3. APA formatting will be followed, including the required cover and reference pages. You must use a minimum of five scholarly resources, in addition to the course text. Your resources should include a combination of peer-reviewed articles and web-based articles, and they must be cited in-text. You will be held accountable for each required subcomponent per part, viewable on the assignment rubric. Writing the Final Project The Summative Assessment: Must be approximately eight double-spaced pages in length, and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Must include a title page with the following: Title of paper Student’s name Course name and number Instructor’s name Date submitted Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement. Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought. Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis. Must use at least five scholarly sources, in addition to the course text. Must document all sources in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Paper For Above instruction

This paper presents a comprehensive curriculum-based assessment (CBA) development process rooted in the foundational principles outlined in Chapters Six and Eight of Lefrançois, complemented by additional scholarly resources. The focus is on designing an effective pre-assessment, a well-structured summative assessment, and a reflective analysis to evaluate student mastery and instructional efficacy. For the purpose of illustration, the assessment design aligns with a sixth-grade science unit focused on the water cycle, following standards from the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for literacy in science.

Part 1: Pre-Assessment Description

The initial phase involves establishing measurable and observable learning objectives. For this science unit, the primary objective was for students to understand the processes involved in the water cycle, including evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection. Specifically, the objective was: "Students will accurately describe the stages of the water cycle and illustrate these processes through diagrams." Prior to the summative assessment, formative strategies such as questioning, think-pair-share activities, and quick writes were employed to gauge student understanding. These strategies align with Lefrançois’s emphasis on active engagement and formative assessment techniques to monitor learning progress.

To determine whether learning had occurred, anecdotal records, student responses during class discussions, and exit slips were analyzed. Evidence of understanding was indicated when students could correctly identify water cycle stages and demonstrate them in diagrams. Instructional strategies included the use of multimedia presentations, interactive simulations, and collaborative group work, which fostered visual and kinesthetic learning styles, consistent with Lefrançois’s recommendations for differentiated instruction.

Adjustments made during instruction involved providing additional visual aids and guided practice for students who struggled with the concepts. Incorporation of technology played a significant role; students engaged with digital simulations such as NASA’s Water Cycle app, which enhanced conceptual understanding and prepared them for the summative assessment by reinforcing key processes in an interactive format.

Part 2: Summative Assessment Design

The target grade level for this assessment is sixth grade, with a focus on science. The specific standard is MS-ESS2-4 from NGSS: "Develop a model to describe cycling of water through Earth's systems." The measurable unit objective is: "Students will demonstrate understanding of the water cycle by accurately describing each stage and illustrating the process in a diagram." This objective aligns with CCSS literacy standards for science and technical subjects.

The assessment includes eight questions of varied types to evaluate different cognitive skills:

  • Question 1 (Multiple Choice, DOK Level 2): Which process in the water cycle involves water turning into vapor? (Objective: evaporation)
  • Question 2 (Short Answer, DOK Level 2): Name two ways water can return to Earth's surface during the water cycle.
  • Question 3 (Diagram Labeling, DOK Level 1): Label the stages in the provided water cycle diagram.
  • Question 4 (Extended Response, DOK Level 3): Explain how the water cycle sustains life on Earth, including the role of each stage.
  • Question 5 (Performance Task, DOK Level 4): Create a model of the water cycle using materials of your choice and present it to the class.
  • Question 6 (Multiple Choice, DOK Level 2): Which of the following best describes condensation? (Objective: condensation)
  • Question 7 (Short Answer, DOK Level 3): Describe what would happen if the water cycle stopped.
  • Question 8 (Extended Response, DOK Level 4): Develop an argument for why human activities, such as deforestation, can impact the water cycle.

Criteria for scoring extended responses and performance tasks involve rubrics that evaluate understanding, accuracy, creativity, clarity, and presentation skills. For example, extended responses are assessed on a scale of 0-4 based on the completeness and depth of explanation, while performance tasks are evaluated on correctness, innovation, and presentation quality.

Part 3: Assessment Reflection

Mastery was determined through a combination of correct responses, demonstration of understanding in explanations, and successful presentation of the performance model. A threshold of 80% correct responses and proficient application of concepts in extended responses was set as mastery criteria. To address the needs of students with specific learning disabilities, modifications included providing visual supports, simplified language, and extended time for tasks. For the ELL student, modifications involved vocabulary scaffolding and bilingual resources where available. The student with ADHD was given instructions in smaller steps and allowed movement breaks to maintain focus.

Collected evidence, such as student work samples, observation notes, and formative assessment feedback, informed instructional adjustments. This ongoing formative process ensured targeted support and the opportunity for students to demonstrate mastery through multiple modalities, aligning with best practices highlighted in Lefrançois’s theories of differentiated instruction.

In conclusion, the integrated approach of formative pre-assessments, diverse summative tasks, and reflective modifications creates a comprehensive framework that supports diverse learners and ensures mastery of the water cycle standard. It embodies the principles of effective assessment design articulated in Lefrançois and scholarly literature, fostering authentic student understanding and engagement.

References

  • Anderson, L. W., & Krathwohl, D. R. (2001). A taxonomy for learning, teaching, and assessing: A revision of Bloom's taxonomy of educational objectives. Longman.
  • Brown, H. D. (2014). Principles of language learning and teaching (6th ed.). Pearson.
  • Marzano, R. J., & Kendall, J. S. (2007). The use of formative assessment, feedback, and instruction. Educational Leadership, 65(4), 62-67.
  • McTighe, J., & Wiggins, G. (2012). Understanding by design (2nd ed.). ASCD.
  • Wiggins, G., & McTighe, J. (2005). Understanding by design. ASCD.
  • LeFrancois, T. (Year). Title of Chapters Six and Eight from Lefrançois's Textbook.
  • NASA Earth Science. (n.d.). Water Cycle Interactive. https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/features/WaterCycle
  • Common Core State Standards Initiative. (2010). Science standards for grade 6. http://www.corestandards.org
  • Schunk, D. H. (2012). Learning theories: An educational perspective (6th ed.). Pearson.
  • Tomlinson, C. A. (2014). The differentiated classroom: Responding to the needs of all learners. ASCD.