Interview
How does assessment data drive instruction and lesson planning? What data collection methods are used to track and monitor student progress?
Assessment is an important part of the teaching process as it enables teachers to identify students’ progress and adjust the curriculum and material to learners’ needs, as well as provide data-driven instruction. The formative and summative assessment ensures the provision of effective data-driven instruction. The former is instrumental in obtaining data to adapt employed instructional methods to address learners’ needs. The latter is critical for the effective evaluation of programs and the analysis of existing trends to improve students’ academic outcomes. We use iReady reading and iReady Math diagnostics tools to ensure the effectiveness of reading and Math instruction. Benchmark Advance is another assessment instrument that provides guidelines for working with struggling students or for challenging learners.
What technology tools are used to focus on continuous and effective data collection and analysis? How are assessment results shared with students and students’ families?
Data collection and analysis have become effective and fast due to the use of advanced technology. Technology offers numerous opportunities to assess students’ needs and progress. In addition to iReady products, we also use Renaissance Learning to accelerate our students’ reading. Assessment results are shared with students and their parents because it helps to encourage students to learn better. The teacher points at the existing gaps and provides specific recommendations to address them. The data are shared with students during weekly portfolio meetings, and parents receive emails, including the relevant data. The teacher discusses the results with students providing feedback that includes feedback, praise, support, guidelines, and recommendations.
What does a successful lesson plan include?
A successful lesson plan includes clear objectives, utilized materials, a description of activities, and the type of assessment. Every lesson should include diverse activities to make students engaged. The plan can also include optional activities and ideas that can be helpful during the class. A successful plan will also describe some roles and responsibilities of the teacher, assistant, and some learners, especially when some students need special needs.
What does a typical lesson include? What steps are taken to develop a lesson that meets the needs of all students?
All schools have specific templates that are based on the latest standards and the approved curriculum. Typical lesson plans include such major sections as topic, goals and objectives, standards, expected outcomes, materials, activity description, and assessment description. When creating lesson plans, we use our district curriculum and the California Common Core State Standards. Standard lesson plans also highlight activities for students with special needs and ELD. Assessment diagnostics is one of the tools that help teachers plan classes that address the current needs of learners.
What steps are taken to monitor and adjust instruction based on student needs?
Small group and whole group instruction are the steps undertaken to monitor students’ progress and needs and adjust instruction based on the obtained information. These steps include taking notes concerning every learners’ progress and struggles. As for the whole group instruction, the teacher takes notes regarding every students’ participation and struggles. The teacher identified people who need assistance, support, challenge, or review.
What technology tools are utilized in the classroom to reinforce and develop curricular concepts outlined in the lesson plan?
We use numerous technology tools to facilitate the learning process and help our students achieve the highest results. Google classroom is utilized to share information, set goals, provide feedback, share materials, and so on. As mentioned above, we employ iReady in reading and Math classes. Go Math offers various activities and materials that are utilized in class. Benchmark Advance is another instrument that is effective for students’ learning. All these sources are also used at home, which helps to engage learners.
Reflection
The mentor teacher uses assessment to evaluate students’ progress and manages to address the needs of her students effectively. She uses standardized tools that are approved by the school’s administration, which is important. This educator acknowledges the relevance and helpfulness of technology that is used extensively to assess students’ progress and needs. Such tools as iReady is an important facilitator of decision-making that is vital for new teachers. This diagnostic instrument is adaptive to all schools, classes, and children, so they can help thousands of teachers (Curriculum Associates, n.d.). The interview with the mentor teacher was a valuable experience as it provided insights into the way assessment should be used. I will use this experience to guide my future practice as I will readily incorporate technology into the teaching process. I will remember that assessment is not a formal type of responsibility, but an exact instrument every teacher can use to help their students achieve their academic goals.
The videos also helped me gain knowledge that will be necessary for my practice. For instance, the video on reading instruction is filled with important tips for every teacher (Katelyn’s Learning Studio, 2017). I knew many of the things mentioned in the video, but it was really helpful to reflect on the way those big five tips actually worked in my mentor teacher’s classes. The video concerning the importance of reading had a twofold impact on me as I noticed some tips that I could use in my practice (TEDx Talks, 2018). I also reflected on the role reading plays in my life, which is also important for my self-development. The video regarding children’s involvement was specifically helpful as it contained numerous tips that can be easily utilized in my daily practice (Puckett Institute, 2015). I was surprised when I saw that simple actions and arrangements could make students active participants rather than distracted and uninvolved listeners. I will use the gained knowledge in my future practice as I will employ some of the described activities and arrangements. I will also continue watching such helpful and inspiring videos for my self-improvement and lifetime learning.
References
Curriculum Associates. (n.d.). Web.
Katelyn’s Learning Studio. (2017). Reading instruction: The big 5 overviews [Video file]. Web.
Puckett Institute. (2015). Getting kids involved: Creating opportunities for learning [Video file]. Web.
TEDx Talks. (2018). Why reading matters | Rita Carter | TEDxCluj [Video file]. Web.