Comprehensive Assessment # 5: Assessing Learning

A recent assessment was given to 100 students. On the first question, 57 students answered "A," the correct answer. What is the difficulty index? * 1.75 * 5.7 * 0.175 * 0.57

* 0.57

According to research, how long should a teacher wait after asking a question? * until everyone knows the answer * until at least one person knows the answer * 1 second * 3 seconds or more

* 3 seconds or more

What is the difference between cognitive prompts and metacognitive prompts? * A cognitive prompt requires a shorter wait time than a metacognitive prompt. * A cognitive prompt is based on student reflection while a metacognitive prompt is based on student knowledge of a process or procedure. * A cognitive prompt is based on student knowledge of a process or procedure while metacognitive prompts are based on student reflection. * A cognitive prompt is one asked by the teacher and a metacognitive prompt is asked by a student.

* A cognitive prompt is based on student knowledge of a process or procedure while metacognitive prompts are based on student reflection.

Which of the following statements is true regarding data and best practices? * A quality assessment will produce purposeful data that will drive instructional practices. * A test determines the success of the student's mastery of the skill. * Teachers should focus only on the state standards that will appear on the state test. * Only data collected from summative assessments should be used to drive instructional practices.

* A quality assessment will produce purposeful data that will drive instructional practices.

Which of the following reflects a SMART goal? * By May 2012, all AP Biology students will demonstrate growth in analyzing data and sources of error by improving at least one rank level from the AP Exam pre-assessment given in the fall to the official AP Biology exam given in the spring. * All of my students will pass the state exam. * By June 2016, 80% of students enrolled in Algebra I will do well on the End of Course assessment. * Throughout the year, all students failing two or more classes will meet with the school counselor thirty minutes a week for the remainder of the year.

* By May 2012, all AP Biology students will demonstrate growth in analyzing data and sources of error by improving at least one rank level from the AP Exam pre-assessment given in the fall to the official AP Biology exam given in the spring.

What is the best way to prevent giving a subjective assessment? * Only give multiple-choice assessments. * Create a rubric to align standards for scoring. * Avoid using double negatives in questions. * Require a minimum of three people to assess the work.

* Create a rubric to align standards for scoring.

Which of the following statements best summarizes the characteristics of effective feedback? * Effective feedback will always increase student performance on upcoming assessments if it is corrective and done in a timely manner. * Feedback includes the recognition of the desired goal, evidence of a student's present work, and way to close the gap between the curricular goals and the current work. * Feedback is an integral part of instructional dialogue that places value on a student's work. * Feedback must include a specific grade and explanation on how to improve performance on the next summative assessment.

* Feedback includes the recognition of the desired goal, evidence of a student's present work, and way to close the gap between the curricular goals and the current work.

How does formative assessment differ from summative assessment? * Formative assessments provides detailed data about student performance, while summative assessments provides detailed data about teacher performance. * Formative assessments are assessments for learning, while summative assessments are assessments of learning. * Formative assessments guide instruction while summative assessment guides student learning. * Formative assessments are norm-referenced while summative assessments are criterion referenced.

* Formative assessments are assessments for learning, while summative assessments are assessments of learning.

Read the SCCCR from the eighth grade English Language Arts curriculum. Read the questions that follow. Which of the following question stems would help the teacher determine if the student has met the standard? Standard 9: Interpret and analyze the author's use of words, phrases, and conventions, and how their relationships shape meaning and tone in print and multimedia texts.9.1 Determine the figurative and connotative meanings of words and phrases as they are used in text; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts. * How does the author's use of an aphorism contribute to the overall meaning of the text? * What is an epigraph? * The saying, "Having nothing, nothing can he lose" by Williams Shakespeare is an example of a/an... * Who wrote the following speech?

* How does the author's use of an aphorism contribute to the overall meaning of the text?

What is the purpose of SC READY/EOC assessments? * Identify the proficiency levels of individual students, schools, and districts * Identify students who are considered "at-risk" for dropping out of school * Identify teachers who should find an alternate profession * Identify schools and districts who do not follow the state curriculum

* Identify the proficiency levels of individual students, schools, and districts

Evaluate the scenario below: Mrs. Anderson teaches World Geography to a diverse group of ninth grade students. She asked the students to list the seven continents. Geraldo quickly raises his hand (as he always does) and Mrs. Anderson immediately calls on him. After correctly listing the seven continents, Mrs. Anderson continues to the next question. On the next unit assessment, she realizes that 50% of her students are not mastering the basic skills. What advice can you provide to Mrs. Anderson? * Create a less rigorous test to ensure that students are not discouraged by the poor grade. * Increasing the wait time after asking the question and after the answer is provided for second language learners and students with processing difficulties will help increase student participation. * Increasing the wait time will increase the accountability of all students. * Asking probing questions will help guide instruction and help hold students accountable.

* Increasing the wait time after asking the question and after the answer is provided for second language learners and students with processing difficulties will help increase student participation. * Increasing the wait time will increase the accountability of all students. * Asking probing questions will help guide instruction and help hold students accountable.

Which of the following describes the three phases for making data part of the ongoing cycle of instructional improvement? * creating a test, administering a test, collecting data from the test desegregating data, making changes, closing the gaps * teaching content, administering a test, desegregating data * collecting and preparing data, interpreting data, testing hypotheses

* collecting and preparing data, interpreting data, testing hypotheses

Which type of questions elicit higher-level thinking skills? * matching * true/false statements * constructed response * Multiple-choice questions

* constructed response

Prior to going on an interview Ann looked up and read the following data on the School Report Card for Star High School. Ann could obtain the following data: The school had a high at-risk population. Eighty-four percent of the students are economically-disadvantaged. Five percent is Pacific Islander, 20% of the school population is Hispanic, 35% African American, and 40% Caucasian. The passing rate for the Algebra 1 End-of-Course Exam is 33%. How should Ann use this information to her advantage during an interview? * Inquire about interventions that worked for students meeting the passing standard. * Inquire about interventions the school implements for a failing student. * Provide her experience working with Hispanic students. * Provide her experience working with economically-disadvantaged students.

* Inquire about interventions that worked for students meeting the passing standard. * Inquire about interventions the school implements for a failing student. * Provide her experience working with economically-disadvantaged students.

Joey, a tenth grade student, is struggling to pass his English I state exam. Which of the following should Joey's teacher use to determine current level of performance and growth? * norm-referenced Assessment * modeling * inventive questions * Ipsative standards

* Ipsative standards

What is a primary benefit to using constructed responses? * It creates an easier assessment * It creates a difficult assessment * It helps to improve student writing * It helps give immediate feedback

* It helps to improve student writing

What is the difference between readiness standards and supporting standards? * Readiness standards are easier in nature, while supporting standards are more difficult in nature. * Readiness standards are specific in nature, while supporting standards are broad in nature. * Readiness standards have to be taught at the grade level, while supporting standards are optional for the grade level. * Readiness standards are essential for success in the current grade, while supporting standards prepare students for success in upcoming years.

* Readiness standards are essential for success in the current grade, while supporting standards prepare students for success in upcoming years.

What is one of the benefits to using portfolio assessments? * Student portfolios reflect real-world tasks. * Student portfolios validate a theory. * Student portfolios predict success on criterion-referenced tests. * Student portfolios predict success on norm-referenced tests.

* Student portfolios reflect real-world tasks.

What is criterion validity? * The correspondence between formative and summative assessment. * The extent to which scores on a test agree with or predict an external criterion. * The extent to which the content on the test matches the objectives that were taught. * The correspondence between the assessment and a rationale or theory.

* The extent to which scores on a test agree with or predict an external criterion.

Which of the following is a good example of a true/false question? * Tybalt always reacted with anger toward the Capulets. * The setting of Romeo and Juliet is in Verona, Italy. * There was nothing wrong with the Friar not telling the parents about Romeo and Juliet. * Romeo and Juliet frequently disobeyed their parents.

* The setting of Romeo and Juliet is in Verona, Italy.

A data team recently met to discuss the following ninth grade test scores from a district benchmark in English. The team noticed that students 85% of students did not meet the standard for the English I objective (Standard) 5A (analyze non-linear plot development e.g. flashbacks, foreshadowing, sub-plots, parallel plot structures and compare it to linear plot development). With this data in mind, how should the data team proceed? * The team will reteach how to analyze non-linear plot using a variety of texts that have a non-linear plot. * The team will continue to move forward with the curriculum and reteach the objective before the state test. * The team will analyze which sub populations struggled to master the skill and pull those students out for small group instruction. * The team will set up a rotation to pull students out of class for small group instruction.

* The team will reteach how to analyze non-linear plot using a variety of texts that have a non-linear plot.

Ms. McKend, a fifth-grade math teacher, gave a quiz to assess students' ability to round decimals to the nearest tenths. However, Ms. McKend became discouraged when only two out of her 25 students passed the exam. What should Ms. McKend consider first? * Was the assessment appropriately aligned to the learning standards? * When is the nearest opportunity to reteach and retest the students? * Were the students motivated to do well? * How did other students do in other fifth grade math classes?

* Was the assessment appropriately aligned to the learning standards?

Ms. Bray, a high school teacher, is part of a data team that is analyzing the scores from the most recent End of Course administration for US History. The team has noted remarkable improvement in the scores of African American students. Which of the following would be an appropriate and purposeful response? * What interventions have been offered that led to the improvement of this subgroup? * How much homework was assigned each night? * How well did the End of Course assessment align to the state standards? * Is there money in the budget to buy supplementary materials?

* What interventions have been offered that led to the improvement of this subgroup?

What do the ipsative standards compare? * a student's performance on the assessment compared to that of a specific proficiency level * a student's performance on the assessment compared to that of his prior performance. * a student's performance on the assessment compared to that of other students * a student's performance on the assessment compared to that of the objectives listed in the standards

* a student's performance on the assessment compared to that of his prior performance.

Which of the following terms is closely associated with informal assessment? * assessment for learning * assessment of student achievement * assessment of learning * assessment that is data driven

* assessment for learning

According to Fisher and Frey, what type of "robust" question is provided below? Can you show me where you found that information? * divergent question * inventive question * elicitation question * clarification question

* clarification question

What are the three ways in which validity can be measured? * SCCCR Standards, criterion, reliability * content, quality, criterion * content, criterion, construct * objective, order, opinion

* content, criterion, construct

Which of the following skills should a teacher have in ensure data is used to positively influence student achievement? * correlate instructional practices to the data * work collaboratively in data teams * question and identify patterns in data * understand the components of quality assessment.

* correlate instructional practices to the data * work collaboratively in data teams * question and identify patterns in data * understand the components of quality assessment.

Mr. Smith, a tenth grade English Language Arts teacher, wants to conference with students during class about a recent writing assignment. What does he need to consider? * obtaining parent permission prior to conferencing with the student * creating an activity that aligns to state standards that students can complete independently * showing a movie to show during conferences to eliminate student distractions * securing a substitute for the day to ensure efficient conferences

* creating an activity that aligns to state standards that students can complete independently

Rather than simply correcting a student that responds incorrectly to a question, which of the following strategy would be best for a teacher to use? * prompting * modeling * direct instruction * cueing

* cueing

What is needed in order to make accurate and effective decisions about individuals? * data from criterion-referenced assessments * data from formal assessments * data from multiple sources * data from norm-referenced assessments

* data from multiple sources

Ms. Gonzalez, a sixth grade science teacher, is looking for a way to bring closure to her lesson over weather. Which of the following activities would you suggest for Ms. Gonzalez? * directly modeling a skill * engaging in a metacognitive activity * asking students robust questions * verbally cueing students to emphasize a skill

* engaging in a metacognitive activity

What is the primary benefit to asking "robust" questions? * holds a student accountable for his learning by identifying any gaps in his knowledge * helps a teacher determine what students know, how they use information, and the need for clarification * helps a teacher understand a student's prior knowledge on a topic, so they can clarify any inaccuracies * helps predict a student's success on formative assessments

* helps a teacher determine what students know, how they use information, and the need for clarification

What does modeling allow students to better understand? * how to develop a skill or problem solving strategy * how to develop inner dialogue * how to give effective feedback * how to receive feedback

* how to develop a skill or problem solving strategy * how to develop inner dialogue

According to Fisher and Frey, what type of "robust" question is provided below? If you could give Romeo and Juliet advice, what would you tell them? * inventive question * Heuristic question * divergent question * elicitation question

* inventive question

In order to ensure an appropriate assessment is given, what needs to be considered? * state exam data * learning target * product proficiencies * intervention

* learning target

Which of the following type of formal assessment is easy to design, mark, and assess? * projects * simulations * multiple choice questions * observation of performance

* multiple choice questions

How might a teacher increase a student's intrinsic motivation? * offering choice * intimidation * providing challenges (without a threat) * responsibility (without authority)

* offering choice * providing challenges (without a threat)

In addition to the summative data, what else should be considered when desegregating the data to draw and informed conclusion? * professional development * student attendance * student mobility rate * parental involvement

* professional development * student attendance * student mobility rate * parental involvement

Which of the following is considered a best practice for assessment? * engage students in more rigorous class activities prior to assessment * give students an exact copy of the test prior to assessment * create only application- and evaluation-type questions on the assessment * provide an overview of the concepts that will be on the assessment

* provide an overview of the concepts that will be on the assessment

When preparing for an interview, what will the School's Report Card help you better understand? * scores and trends of the school * training requirements for teachers * SCCCR Standards the school chooses to teach * disciplinary problems of the campus

* scores and trends of the school

Which of the following outlines the four types of decisions assessment helps educators make? * questioning, Recalling, wait time, direct instruction * formative and informative decisions * understanding, diagnostic, quality, or quantity * screening, progress, diagnostic, or outcome

* screening, progress, diagnostic, or outcome

All of the following can negatively influence a student's intrinsic motivation EXCEPT— * intimidation * rewards and punishment * vague feedback * self-Assessment

* self-Assessment

Which of the following is an example of a performance assessment in a music class? * submitting a reflection piece over the last performance * completing a multiple-choice exam * singing a song at the winter choir show * writing an essay regarding Beethoven's influence

* singing a song at the winter choir show

Mr. Jackson teaches third grade math. His students are currently struggling with multiplication problems. Which of the following would be the best way to efficiently check for understanding after teaching a lesson? * solve problems on a personalized white board * give a summative assessment * thumbs up/thumbs down * respond to multiple choice questions using "clickers"

* solve problems on a personalized white board

Jesse is struggling to write an expository essay in English class. Which of the following formative assessment would Jesse benefit from? * student-teacher conference * multiple choice quiz * projects * homework exercises

* student-teacher conference

Which of the following best describes the standardized state assessment? * formative and criterion-referenced * summative and norm-referenced * summative and criterion-referenced * formative and norm-referenced

* summative and criterion-referenced

With regards to testing, which of the following best defines reliability? * the extent to which the content of the test matches the objectives taught * the accuracy of the assessment * the correspondence between the assessment and a theory * the extent to which the results are consistent

* the extent to which the results are consistent

When creating a summative assessment, what should the teacher consider FIRST? * the instructions provided to the student * the objective and rigor listed in the SCCCR Standards * the order in which the questions appear * the criteria for evaluation

* the objective and rigor listed in the SCCCR Standards

What does checking for understanding allow a teacher to assess? * the skills and content the learner has mastered * whether or not the teacher needs to further scaffold instruction * ensure a student will perform well on summative assessments * why a student is thinking a particular way

* the skills and content the learner has mastered * whether or not the teacher needs to further scaffold instruction * why a student is thinking a particular way

Why is creating a blueprint for a test helpful? * to ensure students are prepared for the SC READY exam * to ensure all questions are equally-weighted * to ensure objectives are covered at the appropriate rigor level * to ensure you do not have more than one question per objective

* to ensure objectives are covered at the appropriate rigor level

What is the central purpose of South Carolina's ADEPT (Assisting, Developing, and Evaluating Professional Teaching) program? * to penalize teachers who needs assistance early-on in their careers. * to promote teacher quality and increase student achievement * to limit the number of Exemplary teachers in the state * to identify more students with special-needs

* to promote teacher quality and increase student achievement

Why might a teacher choose to use a non-traditional form of assessment? * to define clear and achievable targets for student learning * to determine the quality of the assessment given * to provide insight into a student's thinking and problem-solving skills * to create the most-demanding type of assessment possible

* to provide insight into a student's thinking and problem-solving skills

Formative assessment plays a critical role in student learning and achievement. When planning lessons, what should the teacher consider? * a student's performance on prior summative assessments * type of questions asked, wait time provided, number of opportunities to respond to higher order questions, and quality feedback * the amount of opportunities for students to engage in purposeful instruction * A student's level of engagement based on the types of questions asked

* type of questions asked, wait time provided, number of opportunities to respond to higher order questions, and quality feedback

Which of the following is the best way to order questions within a test? * vary the difficulty of the questions * create a pattern based on difficulty level * order questions from most difficult to easiest * order questions from easiest to most difficult

* vary the difficulty of the questions

What should the teacher explicitly state during direct instruction? * what is being taught * how it will be used * who first taught it * when it will be used

* what is being taught * how it will be used * when it will be used

According to research, when does formative assessment have the biggest impact on student achievement? * when assessment align to the state standards and students voice opinions * when assessments are norm-referenced and align to the state standards. * when assessments are project based and reflective in nature * when assessments yield accurate information and effective feedback is given

* when assessments yield accurate information and effective feedback is given

When is homework most effective? * when it is project based * when it is given every day * when it reflects "drill and kill" * when it has a defined purpose

* when it has a defined purpose

Which of the following explains why a teacher might ask an elicitation question as opposed to a heuristic question? * when the teacher wants to extend a student's thinking * when the teacher wants to engage a student a student in problem-solving * when the teacher wants to better understand a student's prior knowledge * when the teacher wants to understand a student's reasoning

* when the teacher wants to better understand a student's prior knowledge