FAQ: I have a big class this year! How can I manage one-on-one assessments for all my students?
A: We understand and hear this concern everywhere we go. Teachers are trying to keep up with ongoing assessments for monitoring progress, as well to comply with "assessment windows" which are mandated by principals, districts, and states. Teachers understand the value of assessments, but don't want to assess at the expense of instruction. We have both had years where our class size was very high…here are some of the ways we've managed to assess without sacrificing precious instructional time.
1. Assess two students each day. Even if you have 30 students, you'll have assessed them all in three weeks time.
2. Stop leading guided groups and individual conferences, and spend the entire Daily 5™ session assessing. It will probably only take a week to assess your whole class.
3. Utilize other portions of the day when students are working independently (e.g., during Writer's Workshop)
4. We always have kids who ask to stay in for recess. Let those recess haters stay in with you to do their assessments.
5. Sometimes we invite two or three children to come in early, or stay a little late. They can get a little extra time with their book box books while they wait for their turn.
6. Ask your colleagues what they do. Someone will have a brilliant idea that's worked for them that may work for you, too.
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