Let's Tech About It

Assessment is an irrefutable component to the experience of teaching and learning in that it allows for quantifiable and tangible evidence towards an individuals understanding and proficiency in their respective area of study. What is contentious however, is the way assessment and grading is structured, designed, and mandated for use, especially as it applies to public schooling. Factors such as this spark diverse discussion and opinion with regards to how assessment can be improved in various ways. Standards-Based Grading (SBG) and Competency-Based Education (CBE) are two focal points of those discussions. While these grading philosophies can differ in their implementation and structure, the core of their usage stems from a need to separate and augment the standard models of which preceded them. The aim is no longer to provide assessment based on the learners ability to complete given work and assign percentile grading of course completion, but to consider specified learning outcome...

In our week two discussion the focus on assessment we began last week was expanded to the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and how it applies to the Texas system of educational standards. The U.S. Department of Education (n.d.) describes ESSA as the following: Passed with bipartisan support and signed by President Obama in December 2015, the ESSA requires states and districts to ensure that all students, including children with disabilities, English learners, and other historically underserved groups, graduate high school ready for college or a career. With the information and resources provided, I was able to put together a working understanding of how ESSA will affect Texas education initiatives and standards currently and moving forward. Researching the TEA (Texas Education Agency) Strategic Plan established in 2017 highlighted the agencies goals in terms of four strategic priorities:         Recruit, support, and retain teachers and princi...