Assessment

Assessments are important in determining whether students are learning the objectives for the lesson/unit. They are a part of instruction, not separate from it. The purpose of assessments are to: 
  • Provide students the opportunity to demonstrate what they know or are able to do.
  • Determine whether students are meeting learning objectives.
  • Modify curriculum and individualize instruction.
  • Identify children with special needs.
  • Provide teachers with objective information for grading.
  • Motivate students to improve their performance.
  • Evaluate the program’s effectiveness.
  • Communicate student progress with parents.

Authentic Assessments - Examples TBD

  • Teacher Observations
  • Peer Observations
  • Self-Assessment
  • Exit Slips
  • Event Tasks
  • Video/Digital Pictures
  • Student Routines
  • Student Displays
  • Student Drawings
  • Student Journals
  • Portfolios
  • Homework

Appropriate Practices

  • Be clear about what is being assessed, its importance, and the criteria involved. 
  • Communicate the information with students, administrators, and parents when appropriate.
  • Involve students by using self evaluation, partner evaluation, etc. Give them choices in how they will be assessed. 
  • Use the information from the assessments to guide future lessons. 

Inappropriate Practices

  • Assessment is based on classroom rule compliance, “dressing out,” attendance, and fitness scores.
  • Assessment items focus on isolated skills in artificial context.
  • Assessment only occurs in the context of grading.

Grading Your Students

Communicate clearly to your students how grades are earned at the beginning of each year. Assessment is not just used for grading purposes, but also to help students learn. Students should set, revise, and achieve realistic but challenging goals. Assess and grade the students on their individual success.

Do not grade students on:
Following Class Rules:
Following rules is expected in order to be able to participate.
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Dressing out:
Dressing for class is expected in order to be able to participate.

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Fitness levels:
Fitness is largely influenced by genetics and time spent on exercise outside of class.
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“Eye-balling” their effort: Monitoring effort is a subjective endeavor.

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Rubrics - Examples TBD

Rubrics are scoring tools with pre-established criteria specifying the level of quality or performance of a task. Their purpose is to:
  • Define what excellence is and how to achieve it.
  • Inform students and parents of the teacher’s expectations for the task.
  • Help teachers be more accurate, objective, and unbiased in scoring.
  • Maintain instructional alignment.


Create your own rubric or find examples at RubiStar for free
"This booklet describes what rubrics are, presents several examples, and explains how to write a rubric including hints and suggestions and how to avoid common pitfalls."
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Responsible Educators Accountable for Learning
Promoting quality physical education through accountability and access to resources