Blog Reflection #4- Assessment

     I most closely identify with many of the ten principles related to AFL.  The  one first that I most closely identify is "Assessment for learning should be part of effective planning of teaching and learning".  As a teacher, I am constantly thinking about the best way to present different objectives to my students.  After lessons I try to think about what worked and what did not work.  This is especially true after assessments.  In kindergarten we assess the students on various things taught to correlate to their report card.  Many times the kids don't master the skill when tested, so I try to incorporate a re-teach time or a time to teach the particular objective in a different way.  Then I re-evaluate the students to see if they gained mastery of the objective.  I always want my students to successful, so I am constantly thinking of the best way to teach various objectives.
    I feel that portfolios are a great way for students to see how they have grown and for them to share work they are proud of with others.  As a kindergarten teacher, I keep a portfolio of the students work throughout the year.  Most of what I keep are assessments that correlate to the students report card, but there are some fun aspects that I keep throughout the year.  Usually when I tell the students we are keeping these to put in their portfolios, they tend to do better work.  After reading the article, however, I think I may let the students decide what is added to their portfolios throughout the year.  I have even thought about starting to keep and art and writing portfolio for my kids.  This will give the next year's teacher an idea of where the students are in their writing and art skills.  Portfolios area great way to informally assess how the students are learning.
     The development of a portfolio for me will show growth and learning.  I think that it will help me keep  my technology skills fresh by revisiting various items throughout the time in my classes.  It will also allow my to see how my technology skills have grown and changed during my time in the ETEC classes.  I am excited to see the potential I will reach through my portfolio.

Kristen Downs