Have a question about assessment, evaluation and accountability in education?
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Question: I have gone through the ATA website and read more about the Standardized Testing issues in Alberta. I was told there were changes about to be made the testing procedures, or the possible elimination of the testing. I was told that I, as a parent, could voice my opinion against standardized tests and that this would help the cause. Is this possible and helpful? How can I do this? To whom do I voice my opinion?
- Lori Beattie, Calgary
Answer: Thanks for your interest in the issues surrounding standardized tests in Alberta and the views of the teaching profession on the matter. More material can be found by visiting www.reallearningfirst.ca. I hope that you will contribute to the discussion that is beginning there by adding your comments to the Share Your Story or Join the Discussion sections. We are also beginning an email list, so I hope you will sign up to receive more information on the matter.
The changes that I suspect you are referring to come from the Alberta legislature's passage of Motion 503 which urges the government "to eliminate provincial achievement tests for grade three students and consider alternative assessments for learning." While motion 503 urges government to make the recommended change, it doesn't oblige government to act, so more pressure is definitely required and helpful.
Teachers are encouraged by parents who are voicing their opinion on standardized testing in Alberta. You might want to consider calling or writing to your MLA or to the Minister of Education Dave Hancock. More information on political advocacy can be found here on the ATA website and contact information for MLAs can be found by visiting http://www.assembly.ab.ca/net/index.aspx?p=mla_home.
Thanks again for your interest in the future of public education in Alberta.
Question: What is the difference between Assessment for Learning and Assessment of Learning?
Answer: The main difference between these two types of assessments are the purposes for which they are used.
In Assessment for learning, also known as formative assessment, the purpose of the assessment is to monitor student progress and plan further instruction. Formative assessment is ongoing and provides feedback to the student about their progress, such that they have an opportunity to adjust their learning or to relearn concepts that they may not have grasped completely. This type of assessment uses a variety of methods to have students demonstrate their understanding: journals, portfolios, self-reflection, peer assessment, projects, etc.
Assessment of learning, or summative assessment, is much more evaluative in nature. It takes place once the learning phase has been completed and is used to determine students final grades. This type of assessment includes more of the paper-and-pencil type of assessments like tests and examinations.