Assessments and PLCs

I believe that it is vital that educators alter their approach towards assessments by making them useful, by providing post test corrective instruction, and by permitting students to have second chances at them. In my classroom I strive to make all assessments follow the 4C’s meaning that they’re (continuous, cooperative, comprehensive, and creative). In addition I realize that with a diverse classroom of learners I need a myriad of ways to assess them. Assessments do not have to be limited to multiple choice and T or F questions given on Fridays.

How do we make this happen, by working cooperatively in PLCs...
I shared with my PLC an integrated unit for Black History Month where each child selects a person to research and portray (in full costume) at the wax museum. In this month long project that involves writing, reading, drama, dance, music, technology, and history students demonstrate mastery through their research skills, singing, acting, power point presentations, experiments, and even dance skills. It is an engaging unit that helps foster school and community relationships and provides an opportunity for performance based assessments.

Its not an easy task, but we can all take baby steps to make this happen!