Using a range of assessment tools in elementary schools gives teachers the chance to track student learning in a variety of ways. While most people are familiar with formal assessments, such as standardized tests, there are several other assessment options available for elementary schools that are more informal and focus on student work instead of exam scores.
Formal Assessment
Formal assessments are typically used as a standardized measurement of student progress. Statewide assessments that are given to all students are formal assessments. End-of-unit tests given after an elementary school class has finished a section in a textbook are also a common form of formal assessment. Formal assessments are typically multiple choice exams, though short answer questions and essays may be included in some instances.
Portfolio
Portfolios track a student's learning over time, often throughout a school year. Portfolio assessments focus on long-term learning gains and allow teachers to see how a child has made progress throughout the year. Portfolio assessments often include rough drafts and final works, graphic organizers, classroom assignments and student reflections. Students are typically included in selecting the work that is placed in a portfolio and the items selected should include samples of the child's best works.
Teacher Observation
Teacher observations allow the teacher to assess students during a typical day in the classroom. Observational assessment is often used to track student progress or check understanding of previously introduced topics. Observational assessment may include anecdotal notes that are written about each student or a checklist of skills that is checked off when the child masters the skill. Some teachers choose to videotape or record audio of their observations to review later or to use as additional record and documentation of the observation session.
Performance Tasks
Elementary students are often asked to complete a performance task to assess their learning in a specific area. A report and presentation may be used to assess student knowledge about a specific book or historical time period, for example. Students in a science class may be asked to complete a simple experiment based on previously taught material, while a math performance task often involves solving a word problem that focuses on the skills being assessed.
Self-Assessment
Self-assessments are used in the elementary classrooms to help students reflect upon their learning and give teachers feedback. Self-assessments may include more traditional assessment activities such as having students take and grade their own pre-test before an exam, and less formal activities including open-ended questions for students to answer, such as what was the hardest part of an assignment, or what they learned during a specific unit of study.
