ABSTRACT
In Finland, known for its national education system, there’s no Finnish word for “accountability,” and there are no standardized tests. Unfortunately, the use of quality assessments is not commonplace. Quality formative assessments have the potential to create equal opportunities to learn for all students. Teachers who skillfully practice formative assessment observe, question, and respond to students’ needs and interests as they teach, minute by minute and day by day. Formative assessments also include assessing the choices students make. Much of formative assessment relies on astute teacher observation, which is why professional learning is so critical. Standards and the tests that accompany them have also led to ineffective, part-to-whole teaching and time-wasting activities.
