Assessments- Prompt 5

In reflecting on our use of assessments in our classrooms, I would probably give myself a 7. I feel a 7 is appropriate because although the assessments we use are meaningful and consistent, I wish I could find more time to create more of a variety of assessments. For example, in areas like geography, I feel we have a very engaging way to assess the students' learning. The students choose follow-ups off of a menu of options to be able to prove mastery in a topic. In mapping, these options may include drawing & coloring beautiful maps, building topographical maps with clay, or students can always propose another idea to the teachers.
In math and grammar, we are using a more traditional approach in assessments, as we are using the tests that accompany the textbooks. In my remedial math class, I can often find time on Mondays to have the students complete the "B" test. The "B" test is similar the test they will take on Wednesday, which is the one recorded in the grade book. Since I started doing this, I have seen a tremendous increase on homework and test scores. This gives them an opportunity to ask questions, seek clarification on concepts, and reduce test anxiety before Wednesday. It also shows me which concepts need reviewing or reteaching. I often have to differentiate my instruction, and come up with different avenues for the students to understand the content. As a teacher, my favorite moments are the "Aha! Moments", which I feel wouldn't be as frequent if I didn't put the time into frequently assessing and differentiating instruction.