Rick focuses on the concept of academic self-efficacy or extent to which students feel in control of their own academic well-being. He details how principles of “assessment FOR learning” or formative assessment can strengthen a student’s sense of efficacy.
Important New Role for Students
Rick addresses the emotional dynamics of the assessment experience from the student’s point of view. Those dynamics reveal that learners benefit from partnering with their teacher in ongoing formative assessment as they grow.
Realizing the Full Potential of Formative Assessment
Rick describes how to use formative assessment practices effectively in the classroom, detailing 5 keys to quality and highlighting the importance of student involvement in the ongoing assessment of their own achievement as they grow.
Growing Students versus Ranking Them
Rapid changes in our society necessitate that schools produce students capable of adapting the rapid changes in their professional and personal lives; they must be capable lifelong learners.
Balancing Assessment Systems
Rick outlines the elements of truly balanced local assessment systems; that is, systems that meet the information needs of all assessment users/instructional decision makers from the classroom to the boardroom.
Comparing Formative and Summative Assessment
Both applications serve important purposes, but those purposes are different. One seeks to help students learn more while the other serves to certify level of attainment.