The Secret Power of Pre-Assessments

In the first few days of school in my district, two teachers have already approached me about how they can meet the varied math needs of their students.

I have always found pre-assessments to really inform my instructional decisions.  It gives me a good gauge on what the students already know and where to focus my teaching.  However, last fall I was fortunate enough to attend a conference given by Rick Wormeli, and he helped me to realize that I wasn't using this valuable tool to its fullest potential.  He spoke about how to involve the students - to give the pre-assessment BACK to the students.  Wormeli said that it "puts important content on students' radar to prime the brain for learning".  I had really never thought of that!

When co-teaching with classroom teachers, we have adopted this practice and I am thrilled to report that the impact has been astonishing.

In each class, differentiation decisions were based on student evidence from the pre-assessment.  This student data drove our planning decisions around how to vary learning for students to meet their individual needs.  This was a continuation of our traditional practice.  What was new was how the students used their original mistakes to strengthen their learning.  In a fifth grade class, the students were given back their pre-assessments throughout the unit.  Each time a new concept was taught and practiced, students independently corrected errors relating to that concept on their pre-assessment.  They could instantly reflect on their growth.  In a third grade class, the students were given the pre-assessment back at the end of the unit as a review.  Again, they made corrections with confidence, giggling at the mistakes they had previously made.

What a powerful way to use this tool!  It informs my instruction, enabling me to see who needs additional support and who needs enrichment.  Equally as important, it truly fosters students taking responsibility for their own learning in a reflective manner.

I wish I had discovered this strategy years ago.  Thank you, Rick Wormeli!

What tools do you use to promote reflective learning with your students?  I'd love to hear your ideas. We learn from each other.