Instruction+and+Assessment

=__**Performance Area B: Instruction and Assessment**__=

|| 1. Regularly updated Edline. Sent e-mails regarding important information to both students and parents.
 * **// Area B – Instruction & Assessment //** || ** Evidence** || ** Date ** ||
 * B1 **Communicates accurately and effectively with students**
 * 1) Communicates clear instructions to students
 * 2) Utilizes a variety of methods to communicate with students
 * 3) Attempts to engage all students in discussion
 * 4) Uses effective questioning and discussion techniques

3. Utilized teaching methods that foster debate and engages all students in discussion through techniques such as: partner think pair share, small group discussion, whole class discussion, fishbowl debates, small group and whole class presentations, and posting thoughts and comments on student blogs. || On-going

On-going

|| > || # All assignments and learning expectations for each unit are posted on the Science Edline page for each class. b. Graded student work and assessment evaluations were returned to students in a timely manner. || On-going
 * B2 **Defines learning expectations and provides timely evaluative feedback on student performance**
 * 1) Communicates learning expectations considering developmental needs.
 * 1) Provides timely feedback regarding student performance
 * 1) > a. Edline is updated twice per quarter with students’ grades.

On-going

|| || 1. Each major assessment is graded using a rubric. Students are given and asked to self-evaluate and go over assessment criteria before turning in final work.
 * B3 **Uses appropriate assessment techniques to guide instruction**
 * 1) Communicates clearly assessment criteria to students
 * 2) Monitors individual student and class progress
 * 3) Uses the results of assessments to guide instruction
 * 4) Guides all students in self- assessment

2. Students’ blogs are linked to my Netvibes page which is routinely reviewed at the beginning of class with regards to completion of assignments.

http://www.netvibes.com/#Science_1 || On going

On going || 1. Utilizes multiple sources of information to assess and report on student learning
 * B4 **Uses appropriate assessment techniques to measure and report student learning**

2. Assesses students using SAS standards and benchmarks

3. Uses appropriate assessment tools

4. Uses appropriate assessment strategies for ESOL and AS students

5. Acknowledges achievement of student learning goals

6. Maintains accurate documentation ||

2. All rubrics and assessment are created using SAS standards and benchmarks.

In collaboration with Grade 8 Science teachers from both campuses, develop one new common assessment for each of the four units of study. 
 * 2,3,4** ||
 * Common assessments completed and added to our individual plans on Atlas. **

On going

|| 3. Students are engaged in hands-on learning activities daily in science class. Over 50% of instructional time is devoted to hands on activities and lab investigations.
 * On going** 08/09 ||
 * B5**: Motivates and engages all students in meaningful learning and growth**
 * 1) Utilizes diverse instructional strategies and resources
 * 2) Provides opportunities for higher level thinking skills
 * 3) Provides opportunities for active engagement
 * 4) Makes learning relevant in a variety of ways
 * 5) Conveys enthusiasm for learning and teaching
 * 6) Demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness to student engagement

4. Projects and independent research assignments are used each unit to allow students to connect content to their own lives.

5. As part of the Environmental Science unit I frequently shared my previous professional and personal experiences related to environmental education and stewardship, and grass-roots community development. || On-going

On-going

First quarter || 1. Differentiates content, process, product, and /or learning environment
 * B6 **Differentiates instruction to meet the needs of their students**

2. Differentiates according to students’ interest, readiness, and learning profile

3. Differentiates according to English language proficiency

4. Differentiates to promote literacy learning || 3. Worked with ESOL department to adapt classroom instruction and activities to best reach and challenge ESOL and all other students. || On-going || || 1. Appropriate technology integrated throughout the curriculum.
 * B7 **Integrates the use of technology in instruction and learning goals**
 * 1) Demonstrates understanding of the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) and benchmarks appropriate to grade level for students
 * 2) Integrates appropriately the use of technology as an instructional tool
 * 3) Uses technology routinely to enhance learning

2. In three out of four units students use Lab-Pro software and data collection devices ([|www.vernir.com]) to collect accurate information and gain experience using advanced scientific laboratory equipment.

3. Students use Stellarium ([|www.stellarium.com]) a powerful astronomy software program to enhance their understanding of related concepts. They use this tool to increase their ability to visualize and grasp concepts related to space and also to answer their own questions. || On-going

First, Third, and Fourth Quarter.

Third Quarter

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