Assessment is a cornerstone of effective teaching and can create massive change in your school, providing vital information on student learning, guiding instructional decisions, and ensuring that educational goals are being met. However, traditional assessment methods, often focused on rote memorization and standardized testing, may not fully capture the depth and breadth of student understanding in today’s dynamic educational environment. To meet the demands of modern classrooms, teachers must embrace innovative assessment strategies that are flexible, inclusive, and aligned with 21st-century learning objectives.
This article explores the evolving landscape of assessment, differentiating between formative and summative assessments, and highlighting the role of professional development in mastering these techniques. It also offers practical tips for teachers looking to enhance their assessment practices, ensuring that evaluations are meaningful, equitable, and supportive of student growth.
The Changing Face of Classroom Assessment
In the traditional model of education, assessment was often a final step in the learning process—a summative event designed to measure what students had learned at the end of a unit or course. While summative assessments remain important, there is a growing recognition that they represent just one piece of the puzzle. Modern education increasingly emphasizes the importance of formative assessments, which are ongoing processes that inform instruction and support student learning as it happens.
1. Formative vs. Summative Assessments: Understanding the Difference
Formative Assessments: These are informal, often ungraded assessments that take place during the learning process. The goal of formative assessment is to monitor student learning and provide feedback that can be used to improve both teaching and learning. Examples include quizzes, class discussions, peer reviews, and observation. Formative assessments are integral to a responsive teaching approach, allowing educators to adjust their instruction based on real-time insights into student understanding.
Summative Assessments: These are formal, graded evaluations that occur at the end of a learning period, such as a unit, semester, or course. Summative assessments aim to evaluate what students have learned and to what extent they have achieved the learning objectives. Examples include final exams, standardized tests, and major projects. While summative assessments are crucial for measuring outcomes, they often don’t provide the immediate feedback needed to guide instruction during the learning process.
Innovative Assessment Methods for the Modern Classroom
As education evolves, so too must our approaches to assessment. Here are some innovative strategies that teachers can incorporate into their classrooms to better assess student learning in a holistic and meaningful way:
1. Portfolio Assessments:
Portfolios are collections of student work that demonstrate progress, achievement, and growth over time. Unlike traditional tests, portfolios allow students to showcase a range of skills, including creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. They also provide a more comprehensive view of student learning by including various forms of work, such as written assignments, projects, and reflections. Portfolios can be particularly effective in subjects like art, writing, and project-based learning.
2. Performance-Based Assessments:
These assessments require students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world or simulated scenarios. For example, instead of taking a written test on a scientific concept, students might conduct an experiment, present their findings, or create a model. Performance-based assessments are valuable because they assess not just what students know, but how they can use that knowledge in practical, often collaborative, contexts.
3. Peer and Self-Assessments:
Incorporating peer and self-assessment encourages students to take ownership of their learning. Peer assessment allows students to review each other’s work, providing constructive feedback and learning from their peers. Self-assessment helps students reflect on their own progress, strengths, and areas for improvement. Both methods foster a deeper understanding of learning objectives and promote metacognition, which is critical for lifelong learning.
4. Digital and Adaptive Assessments:
Technology offers new avenues for assessment that can be both engaging and personalized. Digital assessments, such as online quizzes and interactive simulations, can provide immediate feedback and adapt to the individual needs of students. Adaptive assessments adjust the difficulty of questions based on student responses, ensuring that each student is challenged at the appropriate level. These tools can be especially useful in differentiated instruction, allowing teachers to cater to a diverse range of learning needs.
5. Project-Based Assessments:
Project-based learning (PBL) integrates assessment into the learning process by requiring students to complete complex, multi-step projects that demonstrate their understanding and application of key concepts. PBL assessments often culminate in presentations, reports, or physical products that are evaluated based on a rubric. This method encourages deep learning, collaboration, and critical thinking, making it a powerful alternative to traditional exams.
Aligning Assessments with Learning Objectives
To be effective, assessments must be aligned with the specific learning objectives of the course or unit. This alignment ensures that assessments are measuring what they are intended to measure and that the results accurately reflect student understanding.
1. Define Clear Learning Objectives:
Before designing assessments, teachers must first establish clear, measurable learning objectives. These objectives should outline what students are expected to know, understand, and be able to do by the end of the learning period. Objectives should be specific, achievable, and aligned with broader curriculum standards.
2. Use a Variety of Assessment Methods:
Different types of assessments provide different insights into student learning. By using a variety of methods—such as quizzes, projects, essays, and presentations—teachers can capture a more complete picture of student achievement. This approach also allows students to demonstrate their learning in multiple ways, catering to diverse learning styles and strengths.
3. Develop Rubrics and Criteria:
Rubrics provide a clear framework for evaluating student work, outlining specific criteria and performance levels. Well-designed rubrics help ensure consistency and fairness in grading, while also providing students with a clear understanding of what is expected. Rubrics can be used for both formative and summative assessments, offering a structured way to provide feedback and guide student improvement.
4. Continuously Review and Adjust:
Assessment strategies should be regularly reviewed and adjusted based on their effectiveness in measuring student learning. Teachers should reflect on assessment outcomes, seek feedback from students, and make changes as needed to better align assessments with learning objectives. This iterative process helps ensure that assessments remain relevant and meaningful over time.
The Role of Professional Development in Mastering Assessment Techniques
To stay at the forefront of effective assessment practices, teachers must engage in ongoing professional development. This continuous learning helps educators refine their skills, stay updated on the latest research, and implement innovative strategies in their classrooms.
1. Attend Assessment Workshops:
Workshops focused on assessment techniques provide hands-on learning experiences, allowing teachers to explore new methods and tools in a collaborative setting. These workshops often cover a range of topics, from designing formative assessments to using technology in assessments. Attending these sessions can provide practical insights and inspire new approaches to assessment.
2. Enroll in Online Courses:
Online courses offer flexibility and depth, allowing teachers to dive into specific aspects of assessment at their own pace. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and FutureLearn offer courses on educational assessment, formative assessment techniques, and data-driven decision-making. These courses often include case studies, interactive activities, and opportunities for reflection, making them a valuable resource for teachers looking to enhance their assessment skills.
3. Join Professional Learning Communities (PLCs):
Professional Learning Communities are networks of educators who come together to share ideas, strategies, and resources. Joining a PLC focused on assessment can provide ongoing support and collaboration, helping teachers stay informed about best practices and emerging trends. PLCs can be found within schools, districts, or online communities.
4. Read Educational Assessment Literature:
There is a wealth of literature available on the topic of educational assessment. Books such as “Classroom Assessment & Grading That Work” by Robert J. Marzano and “The Formative Assessment Action Plan” by Nancy Frey and Douglas Fisher offer valuable insights into effective assessment strategies. Regularly reading up on the latest research and theories can deepen teachers’ understanding and inspire new approaches in their classrooms.
5. Participate in Reflective Practice:
Reflective practice is a key component of professional growth. Teachers should regularly reflect on their assessment practices, considering what works well and where there is room for improvement. This reflection can be enhanced by peer observations, student feedback, and self-assessment, creating a continuous cycle of learning and improvement.
Conclusion: Elevating Assessment in the Modern Classroom
Effective assessment is not a one-size-fits-all process—it requires careful planning, alignment with learning objectives, and a willingness to embrace new methods and tools. By incorporating innovative assessment strategies, aligning assessments with clear objectives, and engaging in ongoing professional development, teachers can create a more responsive and equitable learning environment.
For modern educators, mastering the art of assessment is an ongoing journey. With the right tools, strategies, and mindset, teachers can transform assessment from a mere evaluation tool into a powerful driver of student growth and success. As the educational landscape continues to evolve, so too must our approaches to assessment—ensuring that every student’s learning journey is recognized, supported, and celebrated.
G. O. Parsons‘ screenplay is so batshit it works. A possessed weasel, a fairy, a turtle, an alligator, a chameleon, a gorilla, a knight, and an Ostrich provide us with hilarious and gruesome kills and calamity. The Janitor’s mission of cleaning this damn place will not be deterred. There will undoubtedly be comparisons to the Five Nights at Freddy’s games and The Banana Splits movie but who cares. WILLY’S WONDERLAND has execution that is out of this world. The creature, set, and prop builds are wild. Attention to detail is award-worthy. My mother used to work at a Chuck E. Cheese. The atmosphere built for Cage and company to exist in is spot on. The handheld camerawork is dizzying and fantastic. The lighting is often enhanced with a black light hue that is simply delicious. It’s a funhouse of horrors. This is a genre fan’s dream watch. The practical FX are bloodsoaked and brutal. The soundtrack is epic. You will be singing Willy’s theme over and over because it balances on the edge of maniacal, weird, and wonderful. Where can I buy that and an official Willy’s Wonderland t-shirt? I’m as deadly serious as The Janitor.
Now, the scary. This is a double-edged sword for me. While the creature makeup of The Devil is one of the most successful parts of the film visually, the ways in which he is utilized felt cheap. For me, it was a reason to exploit Kirk. It makes zero sense to have her fornicate (probably the first time I’ve used that word in earnest) with The Devil, without that being a major plot point that comes to fruition. It takes away from the overall feminist narrative of the film. I absolutely loved being terrified by the appearance of The Devil. Those moments stick in my head for their fright factor but make me cringe when used tom over sexual a character who is already sexually harrassed over and over for her appearance. This film might fair better if those scenes are cut altogether. The climax is most certainly unexpected and incredibly satisfying. Although with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes, The Reckoning could lose a good 30 mins. Neil Marshall and Charlotte Kirk set out to highlight the atrocities committed against women in a time of fear, sickness, and paranoia. They are able to tell this story through the experiences of Grace and even a few ancillary characters associated with her. The real-life horrors are enough.
The Right One
Procrastinating romance novelist Sarah is attempting to finish her third book after breaking up with a longtime boyfriend. It’s not going well. Her agent Kelly forces her out into the dating scene causing her to repeatedly stumble upon a mystery man with many different personalities. Can she figure out who he is and in return also discover her true self? The Right One is laugh out loud funny from beginning to end. Though it’s not simply a rom-com, it’s much more complex. The script is rightfully presented in three clean acts. It allows the characters to develop naturally. 35 minutes in we get our first clue to Godfrey’s past and it is unexpectedly dark. While the funny doesn’t stop, it lets the cast explore the underlying messages in writer Ken Mok‘s directorial debut.
Iliza Shlesinger is basically playing her standup self and I mean that as a compliment. Her aggressive manner is pure magic for this role as Sarah’s literary agent. But don’t let her fool you, there’s a softer side hiding in there even if just a little bit. I can see her acting career turning out to be akin to Kathryn Hahn‘s. I would put money on it. Cleopatra Coleman as Sarah is exactly who we need. Solid romcom sweetness with an edge. I could watch an entire series of her being quirky. She’s a damn delight. Nick Thune has a total Bill Murray/ Steve Martin energy. It was like watching an incredibly curated improv show. He is charming as hell. His chemistry with Coleman is fun and natural. I was first introduced to his amazing abilities in the fantastically weird and wonderful indie, 
The Right One taps into a lot of very real fears that dating and relationships bring. Opening up yourself to potential hurt but also actual love and acceptance. We see abandonment issues and self-doubt, jealousy, and trauma. . You’ll laugh and be forced to look at some of your own flaws along the way.
This stunningly gorgeous sci-fi film has so much potential. What drags it down is the amount of information we’re missing. A lot of the backstory is buried inside writer/director Nicholas Ashe Bateman’s mind. It’s juicy, no doubt. Uniquely told. It would be glorious as a stage play. There’s enough intrigue in The Wanting Mare to indeed sustain a series of films, as is the intention. The audience has to commit themselves to what they are given. It’s a lot of trust to put in the viewer. What is abundantly clear is that there is a cyclical nature to the female characters and that these elusive tickets put a target on your back. This script is filled with people lying to each other, either to protect someone or keep them from leaving. It’s an interesting concept. The horses are treated similarly to unicorns in Legend. A commodity, yes, but also they must be protected at all costs.
Performances, across the board, are excellent. While there are a lot of characters to track, there is not a single actor who lets you down. Each beat is curated. This cast left it all on the screen. 
This is a fearless film. There is nothing shy about it. Writer/director/editor/DP Ben Hozie has given us an unapologetic look at sexual impulse, gratification, and all the complex feelings that come along with it. It’s not often we see an actor do full-frontal nudity. Leading man Peter Vack is not just full-frontal but masturbates (a lot) in PVT CHAT. And so he should. His character Jack has zero stability in his life with the exception of his need to connect with other humans. This is mostly achieved through cam sessions. While sexual gratification is s short-term goal, he’s really looking for companionship. He’s a great online gambler, that’s how he survives monetarily. At the heart of it, he has fallen in love with a girl he doesn’t completely know is real. Vack is excellent. His vulnerability pours off the screen. His portrayal of a seriously flawed and real human being is stunning.
Rosie is trying to figure out who is responsible for the death of her sister, Amelia. A year afterward, she is obsessed with watching her old YouTube diaries for any sort of clue. The darkest side of the internet comes to light in this unapologetically raw indie. We live in a world where a single tweet can incite violence. But since the beginning of the internet and chat rooms, pedophiles have stalked kids, acted like peers, and lured them into unsafe situations. People don’t seem to grasp the permanence of posting online. The consequences can be life-altering. 
Marc Menchaca stars in another unsettling role, post 
#Like a great companion piece for 
Mimi is me as a kid; overly dramatic, kooky, aggressively brimming with sass. I played with all the boys, digging holes, making forts, playing with stick lightsabers. Am I obsessed with the fact that PG: Psycho Goreman is energized by a truculent little girl?! Hell yes. Do I love the fact that it’s over-the-top in every single way? You betcha. Is this one of the most fun viewing experiences I’ve had in lockdown? 100%. It’s a genre-bending romp of relentlessly violent, gore-filled, sci-fi weirdness and I am here for it all.
Essentially, if you’ve ever been a genre nerd, you’ll love this film. Think Peter Jackson‘s splatstick trilogy, add a pinch of The Gate, with a side of Saturday morning cartoon realness and you can begin to comprehend what this film is. The costume and creature builds are out of this world fun. Every single detail of Psycho Goreman screams an homage to fans. It feels like it was tailormade for my 40-year-old self, and I will continue to tell myself this lie.
The chemistry between cast members is outstanding. The family dynamics are hilarious. I hope I talk to my kids that way when they get to be Mimi and Luke’s age. The dialogue is delivered with such commitment, it’s magical. The kids interacting with PG will force a grin that just won’t go away. Writer/director Steven Kostanski, who I already knew from his ABC’s of Death 2 segment, really gets it. You can tell from his extensive resume that he’s a fan that not only writes for an audience but for himself and I cannot wait to see what’s next. PG: Psycho Goreman is destined for cult classic status. If I don’t see this costume pop up at a future Comic-Con, I will be shocked.
Based on the book of the same name by Naoki Higashida, The Reason I Jump is an emotional rollercoaster. I was already welling up listening to the opening monologue. The echolalia, the sensory overstimulation, the hand flapping, and ear covering all punched me in the gut when presented on screen. I’m a lucky Mom. At 5 years old, my child is now very verbal, he’s hyperlexic which means he’s been reading since he was two. He loves hugs, sleep, and eats well. On the autism spectrum, he would be closer to Asperger’s, if that were a diagnosis recognized nowadays. None of these facts lessen the fear, frustration, exhaustion, and pure elation in raising an exceptional human being. The Reason I Jump is tailor-made from the words of a nonverbal 13-year-old boy’s experiences from the inside out. In film form, it’s simply triumphant.
In the doc, we are introduced to 5 unique young people with autism.
Joss -(UK)
Jestina – Sierra Leone
The narrated excerpts from the book directly correlate with whichever child is being highlighted at that time. Voiced by Jordan O’Donegan, they have a poetic feel to their profundity. Naoki writes, “Making sounds with your mouth isn’t the same as communication.” That quote did me in. When you hear that, truly hear it, you will be taken aback. Jestina, Ben, Emma, Joss, and Amrit all communicate in a different way, we just had to learn how to listen. The heightened sound design immerses you into the world of an autistic person. We do not understand what it is like to be utterly overwhelmed not being able to be fully understood. The cinematography is breathtaking. Quick cuts, predominantly in close-up form combined with a gorgeous soundtrack put you in an alternate headspace. The editing takes all these elements and blends them into a viscerally stunning documentary.
As a mother of a child on the autism spectrum, I feel like I can see I want to broadcast this film to the world so that neurotypical individuals can understand my son and every other person on the spectrum. The label of autism, whether people realize it or not, creates implicit bias. We are missing out on the potential and impact of an entire faction of our society. It is our duty to meet each other in the middle. The Reason I Jump is a captivating peek behind the autism curtain. Don’t look away now. Thank you Naoki Higashida for writing this book. Thank you David Mitchell for translating it for your son. Thank you Jerry Rothwell for directing such an important film. Thank you to the families that shared their lives. Watch this film, then choose to listen and learn in a new way.
The contentious relationship between Devon Sawa and Camille Sullivan is what makes the initial framework of this film so intriguing. With Anne longing for more traditional stability for her family, Joe thrives in the wilderness. Trapping is just not meeting their monetary needs any longer. With their daughter Renee to protect, they are in for a bigger surprise than running out of food and a rogue wolf on the prowl. Hunter Hunter goes to a place so dark, you won’t be able to get it out of your head.
The survivalist and tracker methods ring true. Sawa, who has been churning out films the past few years, once again holds the audience captive with his presence. I’ve stated before that his talent is often overlooked. His commitment to a role is stellar and he’s a lovely human in real life. Here his portrayal of Joe is steadfast and loyal, with a side of heroic intention. His chemistry with Summer H. Howell as daughter Renee is a touch reminiscent of Ben Foster and Thomasin McKenzie in Leave No Trace. Howell gives a “raised off the grid”, tough as nails, but thoroughly innocent age-appropriate performance. It’s just right. Nick Stahl and Devon Sawa in one movie together, have made my schoolgirl fantasies a reality… in the most satisfying, genre nerd girl way. Stahl is downright scary. You can read the unspoken backstory he’s given himself in his posture and gaze. It’s startling.
Camille Sullivan has been written as a fully nuanced woman, forced to activate her Mother Bear instincts. The power she brings to this film is unmatched. This cast has to not only contend with a terrifying script but the elements of filming in the wilderness. I have so many questions since the credits rolled but the mystery that remains isn’t even relevant when the screen goes black. You are simply left in shock.
That sharp turn in the plot blows up everything you think you know about how this story will end. Your heart will be in your throat for the final 3rd. Writer/director Shawn Linden has given us one of the most disturbing films of 2020. The utter carnage, both emotional and physical, inflicted on this cast is brutal. The visceral horror of that befalls the viewer is skin-crawling and nausea-inducing. Hunter Hunter is complex and precisely crafted. Camille Sullivan‘s performance will go down as one of the most iconic final girls, ever.
Archenemy has all the makings of a franchise. I hope we see more of this crew! Amy Seimetz, Glenn Howerton, and Paul Sheer level up this film. Every single cast member gives a nuanced performance. It’s dark and complex and nothing like you think it’s going to be. How often do we genuinely get to say that? You can check out Archenemy today!
Drew Barrymore gets to play two polar opposite roles. Candy Black is character number one. For sure a nod to Drew’s vast collection of lovable characters over the years but with a seriously jaded mean streak. And perhaps also a not-so-hidden, tongue-in-cheek riff on Melissa McCarthy, who gets named dropped immediately in the best way possible. For Barrymore’s character Candy, 5 years after a breakdown on set, she is another person. Her sadness has consumed her. She is a recluse who is court-ordered to go to rehab for 90 days. Frankly, she has other plans. Her second character is the titular role. Paula is seemingly lovely, sweet, and bright, but now also out of a job until she gets an auspicious call to get back on the horse for Candy. Both women get the opportunity to reshape who they are… for better or for worse. You think you know where this story is going, but you’re in for a big surprise.
When they play the same scenes it’s an excellent dynamic. Watching Drew commit to these two women is really fun. You’re constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. It makes for a heightened watch. It becomes unexpectedly dark. Drew is actually scary to watch. The marketing is doing a disservice to the film. There is so much more to The Stand In than the trailer offers viewers. I hope they can appreciate what comes their way.
It is definitely an interesting commentary on fame and notoriety. There are innumerable moments that will make you cringe but you have to ride them out. The Stand In makes fun of itself in a thoughtful way. The cameos are aplenty and each person is given the opportunity to highlight the trappings of Hollywood with their dialogue. I think that’s what I appreciated most. The dark honesty is what sticks with me as the credits rolled. The entire success hangs on Barrymore’s ability to play two characters we’ve never seen from her before. Congratulations to director Jaime Babbitt for helping a film that’s much deeper than an audience is expecting.
This script does an excellent job of presenting something that feels familiar but layering it with the lust of a teenage girl. Braden R. Duemmler gives us a nuanced look at relationship dynamics wrapped in an enigma of anxiety and fear. We get a fantastic balance of a real-life scenario with the understanding that something is indeed very off about John Smith. The cringeworthy moments are aplenty and that’s a compliment. The character of Liberty is fully fleshed out. I was that girl, in many ways, at 16. While my passion was writing and theatre, I understood the awkward encounters and the sensation of excitement at the thought of an attractive older man having an understanding of the things I liked. Liberty ends up being a badass through her terror and she is a hero in my book. That’s the kind of female protagonist we need.
Ema Horvath is outstanding. Having just seen her in 
Family is complicated. Every generation trying to make life better for the next but ultimately failing in one way or another. You cannot do it all perfectly, that’s not a thing. It is in the mistakes and flaws we accept where we grow as individuals and as one family unit. King Of Knives is a raw and undeniably funny look at regret. It shines in its honesty. It allows its characters to feel relatable with great dialogue and effective editing as the full plot is revealed. It’s a beautifully balanced screenplay, allowing each of the four family members to come to terms with where they fit in and how that might affect the others.
The performances are really great. I have to call out the comic timing from everyone. It’s a natural back and forth I have with my family, like it or not. While we all think everyone is so very different, I reality we’re all just as messed up as the next person in line. Gene Pope, Mel Harris, Roxi Pope, and Emily Bennett do a fantastic job making you believe they are related. There is just enough connection and disconnection for you to buy it completely. They are coated in trauma they ignore and facing it one year later will finally break open family secrets and revelations that will change everyone. Lindsay Joy‘s script feels real from my perspective; the first of four (now adult) kids that all did different things and pretend to be too cool for school most of the time. But we know, deep down, we’re all floundering in one way or another. We’re still better together. King Of Knives hits home for any viewer. Sometimes you have to break it down to build it back up. It’s a “Go call you Dad” kind of film. It’s the perfect holiday film, once you watch it you’ll understand why. It releases today on VOD and Digital platforms. Get a taste from the trailer below.
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