Advancing Assessment With PLCs

The DuFour model is built on the belief that all students can learn and succeed and when they struggle a safety net of interventions and support is provided. The DuFour model of PLCs has been adjusted and adapted in many ways. Using them to advance assessment is nothing new. But in these tough economic times it is not uncommon for the safety net of interventions to dwindle down to a mandatory few services. Reading teachers and coaches are disappearing, math tutors are nonexistent in many schools, and academic support is provided by paraprofessionals. Teachers are increasingly taking on these essential instructional roles within their classrooms.

Here are some ideas for putting assessment at the forefront of your PLC. Knowing what students know and can do is the primary role of assessment. Responding to assessment is a fundamental element. Like a golf stroke, the down swing is only as good as the follow-through.

Here's a checklist of steps for your PLC to follow to make the most out of assessment:
1. Identify the standards, objectives, targets, and learning outcomes
2. Put into practice high yield instructional strategies
3. Frequently check student's understanding using a range of formative assessments
4. Gather actionable data through multiple measures
5. Analyze and respond to the data
· Complete target/item-analysis of assessments
· Adjust Pacing
· Adapt Content
· Create flexible groupings and peer tutoring
· Re-teach using multiple methods and modalities
· Provide informative feedback and opportunitiesfor self-assessment
· Provide enrichment and extensions of learning
· Adjust curriculum and instructional plans