ABSTRACT
Assessment is a critical aspect of rigorous math and science classrooms. This chapter looks at the aspects of effective formative and summative assessments. Dr. Gregory Firm, a former school superintendent, describes six characteristics of effective formative assessment: developing a meaningful feedback loop; real-time feedback; independent learning; personalized learning, active learning; and collaborative implementation. In today’s technology-rich society, it’s important to incorporate tech-based resources into our formative assessment such as blogging, screencasting, and recording of audio or video. Summative assessments are typically used at the end of a chapter, unit or topical study to assess students’ overall understanding. They also form the basis for grades, particularly those used to compute a final grade for the report card. Matching tests are a quick, easy way to assess a wide range of student knowledge.
