Week 13 Assignment #1

There are qualitative measures (rubrics, student profiles, and anecdotal records)- that give data for further instruction. There are observational records that are expanded. Recording, managing, and using anecdotal records are important for authentic assessment purposes.(ARA) Anecdotal Records Assessment. By taking observational notes, the teacher records levels of engagement, curiosity, and motivational factors. There are specific techniques used while observing children, recording, and handling authentic assessment data.  The author focuses on five techniques when: observing children in an instructional setting, maintaining a standards- based focus, making anecdotal records, managing anecdotal records, and using anecdotal records for assessment. Teachers should avoid trying to observe everybody all at once.  Establish a content standard focus in order to avoid being distracted by disruptive or unusual behaviors.  While writing anecdotal records, keep in mind : write observable data, use important abbreviations, write in the past tense, support records with examples as evidence, don’t use the “C” word (can’t), and avoid redundancy.  Teachers can use adhesive computer address labels to record and manage observations.  In order to analyze anecdotal records, standards are compared to the child’s performance. Teachers should try to analyze records every six to eight weeks.  Based on the data, recommendations are then made by the teacher.  A focused ARA includes formative as well as summative assessments.   Teachers must consider how the data will inform instruction of  students.