Formative and Summative Assessments

There is a great deal of discussion on assessment these days in educational circles. The terms "formative" and "summative" are used a great deal.

Click here to read an article that clarifies the use of the terms "formative" and "summative" assessment.

On Line Collaborative Learning Sites for Educators

The following is a list of suggested on line collaborative learning sites for educators. Click on the name of the site to investigate!


Annenberg Learner

Tech & Learning

4Teachers

Edutopia

EdWeb.net

21st Century Collaborative

ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International)

Eye on Education

Education World

Marzano Research

Apple in Education

Smart blog for educators (from the makers of the Smartboard)

http://Edcompassblog.smarttech.com

NCTM (National Council for Teachers of Mathematics)

ARA (Alabama Reading Association)

IRA (International Reading Association)

Teachers Love Smartboards!

Take a peek at this neat smartboard site for teachers!

Gradebook Reflection and the Importance of Narrative Feedback

Click here to read a great article on the importance of reflecting on the grades in your gradebook.

Click here to read about the importance of including narrative feedback along with grades.

Alabama Reading Association Conference

We had four representatives from our lower school that attended the ARA conference here in Montgomery last week. The opening keynote speaker was Denise Brennan Nelson. I encourage you to check out her children's books: Someday is not a Day of the Week, Buzzy the Bumblebee, etc. Each of her books teaches a wonderful lesson for young and old alike. Denise is also a motivational speaker and reminded us that each person has a morale bank account and you cannot give away what you do not have inside. She encouraged us to make deposits into each other's accounts so that we stay full and are ready to give away to others without becoming bankrupt! Here are a few other points from Denise's keynote address:
*Goosebumps---an inspiration to quality--give such good service to others that it gives the person goosebumps!
*Take care of yourself so you can take care of others
*Einstein said, "Imagination is more important than knowledge."
*"Idea" is that which is seen by the mind's eye; you have to keep your imagination turned on to see an idea!
*Encourage children (and yourself) to use your imagination!
*When you have a great idea that won't go away . . . do something about it! Use it!
*You are helping little acorns become mighty oaks!
*Story of 2 ditch diggers: One ditch digger was asked what he was doing and he replied, "what does it look like, digging a ditch." The other ditch digger was asked what he was doing and he replied, "helping build a cathedral." It is all in how you look at it.
*Daily Goal: I would feel great at the end of this day if I: _________________ (only you can fill in your blank!)

Have a blessed week!