This book places students center stage in the discussion of how we know whatstudents know. Using formative assessment to understand student learning is atheme g... » 

This book places students center stage in the discussion of how we know whatstudents know. Using formative assessment to understand student learning is atheme grounded in good teaching and good assessment Jo Topps RegionalDirector K12 AllianceWestEdThis book incorporates current research and not only provides an explanationof the necessity of formative assessment but offers a system for planninglessons and a variety of tools to implement formative assessment in theclassroom Susan Leeds Science Department Chair and Gifted Studies TeacherHoward Middle School Winter Park FLResearch has shown that when teachers use formative assessments effectivelythey have a clearer understanding of what students know and are better able todesign instruction that meets learners needs.This practical guide shows teachers how to create and implement formativeassessments in their middle and high school science classrooms. Grounded inextensive and solid research this guide covers all science content areas physicsphysical science life sciencebiology earth and space science andchemistry as well as five types of formative assessments big idea questionsconcept maps evidencetoexplanation predictobserveexplain and multiplechoice.Teachers will find additional support in Richly detailed concrete examples of the five types of assessments Indepth guidelines for implementing the assessments Brief case studies with transcript excerpts that demonstrate how teachershave used formative assessments Easytouse templates to help analyze lessons in current units and identifyplaces for inserting formative assessmentsWith this easytouse handson guide any teacher can learn how to useformative assessment strategies to improve student achievement in science. «