Professional Learning
Washtenaw ISD is committed to supporting high quality classroom assessment practices and policies throughout our county. To learn more please join our Assessment Literacy Network, visit the WISD Online Learning Catalog, or contact Amy Olmstead-Brayton to inquire about additional learning opportunities on topics such as…
- Understanding Assessment’s Purpose
- Clarifying Learning Targets
- Designing Effective Formative & Summative Assessments
- Effective Feedback
- Student Self/Peer-Assessment & Goal Setting
- Communicating Student Learning
- Standards-Based Teaching/Grading
- Developing/Nurturing Student Agency
- And much more!!!
Assessment Literacy Network
2022-23 School Year Series: Fostering a Pedagogy of Voice through Formative Assessment (virtual)
What is pedagogy of voice and what is the role of formative assessment in developing and sustain it? Join the Assessment Literacy Network this year as we explore the key domains of student agency and how educators can use the formative assessment process to nurture student identity, belonging, mastery, and efficacy. Together let’s discover how we can create learning spaces where power is distributed, knowledge is democratized, diverse perspectives are welcomed, and children are intellectually and emotionally nourished!
*(Year-Long Series: Sep 15, Oct 20, Nov 17, Dec 15, Jan 19, Feb 23 | 4:15-5:45 pm)
Why join the Assessment Literacy Network?
Do you want to ...?
- join a network of educators committed to developing and using classroom assessments that motivate and engage students
- critically reflect on and improve your own assessment and grading practices to accurately measure, communicate and increase student learning
- better use your class time to effectively identify and meet the needs of all of your students
- create equitable schools and classrooms that nourish and celebrate student agency
Self-Paced Options
Assessment for Learning Series
Engage in this intensive 6 part self-paced series to begin deepening your understanding and use of effective classroom assessments. Learn more about the formative assessment cycle and its role in supporting student agency in their learning. Learn how to use classroom assessment not only to gather accurate information about student learning but to also improve student engagement, motivation and achievement and create classrooms and schools that are truly learning- and student-centered.
*(Available September 18-January 8)
7 Strategies of Assessment for Learning Series
Are you looking for ways to make your classroom more student-driven? Join us for this three-part, self-paced series as we explore “The 7 Strategies of Assessment for Learning” and discover how to use the formative assessment process to foster learning and agency!
*(Available September 18-January 8)
Available by Request
Socially Just Assessment & Grading
You are an educator committed to social justice, but how have your current assessment and grading practices upheld unjust systems? Come to learn more about how you can use assessment and grading to begin to push on the system and create more socially just classrooms and schools!
Introduction to Standards-Based Grading
Explore the key characteristics of equitable standards-based grading and its connection to student learning, motivation, and agency. Learn more about the prerequisite knowledge and skills you'll need to effectively shift to a standards-based classroom that better supports teachers', students', and caregivers' information needs.
Grading for Equity Book Study
Using the guiding text “Grading for Equity” (Feldman, 2019) deepen your understanding of how traditional grading practices inhibit equity in our schools and disempower students and teachers. Identify ways in which you can change your own practices and policies to be more just and promote student agency.
Standards-Based Classroom Book Study
Using the guiding text, “The Standards-Based Classroom” (Rinkema &Williams, 2019) learn more about which practices related to curriculum, instruction and assessment are essential to make learning the goal for every student!
Formative Assessment in the Disciplines
Explore the interconnection of ambitious teaching, formative assessment, and disciplinary knowledge. We will use the guiding text “Formative Assessment in the Disciplines” (Heritage & Wylie, 2020) to help us better understand that formative assessment is not a set of generic practices but rather is embedded in disciplinary learning.
Custom Professional Development
Looking for something more tailored to the needs of your individual team, building, or district? WISD is happy to partner with you to develop custom professional learning on a wide range of topics. For additional support or questions please contact…
Amy Olmstead-Brayton
Assessment Coordinator
(734) 994-8100 x 1265