There are multiple considerations necessary for designing, selecting, using, and monitoring a classroom assessment system. At a fundamental level educators need to understand the strengths and limitations of assessment results to be able to interpret and use them effectively. To achieve this broad objective, within a balanced system of learning and assessment, teachers need to:
- Appropriately assess student performance based on information from all assessments in the system,
- Develop and review items and tasks,
- Develop and employ effective formative assessment practices to support improvements in student learning over time,
- Score tasks accurately and reliably,
- Interpret scores appropriately, and
- Modify instruction based on assessment results.
An assessment literate educator understands the criteria used to evaluate whether a system of assessments is balanced and has a working knowledge of the use and purpose of various assessments.
Professional Development
The Wyoming Department of Education (WDE) will engage a cohort of Wyoming educators in discussions about assessment using resources created through a partnership with the National Center for Improvement of Education Assessment.
The goals of the assessment literacy training are to challenge and revise misconceptions about assessment, enhance knowledge about assessment, and provide opportunities to practice appropriate and accurate assessment uses.
Educators will complete prerecorded modules prior to meeting virtually with WDE staff to engage in assessment discussions. For more information regarding assessment literacy and the content of the course, please view the Assessment Literacy Leader Guide and the Assessment Literacy Teacher Guide.
More information about Assessment Literacy professional development for district and school leaders is found on the Wyoming Department of Education’s Professional Development webpage.
Assessment Literacy Professional Development Registration
Current and preservice teachers are all welcome to participate at no cost; preferred registration by September 23, 2022. Successful completion of all of the learning modules can be submitted for PTSB credit. Participants will receive a confirmation email with meeting details and instructions for accessing modules.
- Meeting 1: 3:30- 5 p.m. on October 13, 2022.
- Meeting 2: 3:30- 5 p.m. on January 11, 2023.
- Meeting 3: 3:30- 5 p.m. on May 10, 2023.
- Meeting 4: 3:30- 5 p.m. on September 7, 2023.