Standards. Many schools uses local, state/provincial, regional, national, and international standards as the basis for their assessment program. Remember to check both the content area and technology standards. Many of these can be found on the Internet.

 

Testing. In addition to standardized testing, many schools have their own local testing systems. Many teachers adapt tests from textbooks and other sources.

 

Portfolios. The use of portfolios has become popular for both students and teachers. Writings, communications, photographs, drawings, videos, checklists, and personal reflections can all be incorporated into a portfolio. It's also possible to create computer-based portfolios.

 

Interviews. Text-based, audio, and video interviews are becoming popular ways to show change over time. Consider doing interviews before or after an event or at a meeting. Incorporate interviews into project assessment.

 

Surveys & Polls. Students, teachers, administrators, support staff, technical staff, community members, and parents can all participate in surveys and polls.

 

Documentation. Your technology plan, professional development plans, and school reform plan should all be used in your assessment planning. Consider all forms of documents including reports, journals and logs, observations, anecdotes, and timelines.

Data. Counting things can serve an important role in assessment. Ask yourself: how much, how often, and how many? Examine some of the following areas:

• School: dropouts, attendance
• Curriculum: coverage, use
• Budget: spending, savings, areas
• Time: distribution, focus
• Hardware: new, retired, fixed
• Software: distribution, access, use

Students. When assessing students, consider standardized and local tests, project evaluations, portfolios, and interviews. Think about both the performance of the student and the program.

 

Teachers. Be sure to use multiple assessments with both students and teachers. You may want some one-shot assessments such as a class visitation. Also, consider project or program-based assessment. In addition, build in ongoing assessments that look at professional development plans, lesson plans, and classroom management plans.

Some keys to assessment include the following:

Assessment is not easy. You may choose to require participation. For example, bring your survey to a required faculty meeting. Or, ask people to do paperwork or attend a workshop in order to receive technology. On the other hand, sometimes the best approach is the fun one. Enjoy assessment by making it interesting. Provide food and rewards to increase participation.