Formative Assessments (assessment for learning) refer to the ongoing process that students and teachers engage in when they: focus on the learning goals (know where they are going) take stock of where current work is in relation to that goal (know where they are now) take action to move closer to the goal (know how to close the gap)
Formative assessments are used to gather evidence, both formally and informally, for the purpose of improving learning.
It is not the instrument that is formative; it is the use of the information gathered, by whatever means, to adjust teaching and learning, that makes it formative.

Ditch That Textbook has tons of great ideas to support teachers in their busy classrooms. One of the many resources offered are FREE templates that will save time and engage students in their learning.To access these free templates (Google Slides and PowerPoint) head on over to  https://ditchthattextbook.com/resources/templates or check out the individual sections included in this lesson. 

The best features of game shows can be used to review and teach in the classroom. Kahoot!, Quizizz, Quizlet Live, and Gimkit can help. See their pros, cons and what makes them different.

A set of questions that can be used for a variety of ages in a variety of settings.
These are very useful if students are all working on different activities!

Educational Scavenger Hunts for the 21st Century!

This app helps you facilitate scavenger hunts, where teams of students compete to find items you assign (in the physical world), then take photo evidence at each point and post it on the app. The app then keeps track of team points so you know which team won by the end.

This tool could be used for teams to complete assessments, or to provide feedback and capture an snapshot of their current level of understanding of the material. Students could also CREATE these for summative assessments to share with their peers if centered around a topic of study in the classroom.

This is a low organization, high impact strategy to use for reflection and discussion in your classroom.

This resource is created to support Grade 10 teachers in Sun West with the Pre and Post Reading Assessment that is done every two years. In additions to supporting the assessment process, there are best practices for using Before, During and After Reading Strategies in our ELA classrooms.

Template of posters that can be used or modified which describe the Saskatchewan 4 - point academic scale in student-friendly language.

This resource is created to support Grade 7 teachers in Sun West with the Pre and Post Reading Assessment that is done every two years. In additions to supporting the assessment process, there are best practices for using Before, During and After Reading Strategies in our ELA classrooms.

These tasks, rubrics and exemplars support high quality instruction and assessment. They have been adapted by Horizon School Division Grade 5 teachers.

This webinar will explore best practices around feedback and how it can best be utilized to impact student learning.

Presented by John Almarode, Douglas Fisher, Nancy Frey.

The tools for educators include:
~ Problems of the Month - The Problems of the Month are non-routine math problems designed to be used schoolwide to promote a problem-solving theme at your school. Each problem is divided into five levels of difficulty, Level A (primary) through Level E (high school), to allow access and scaffolding for students into different aspects of the problem and to stretch students to go deeper into mathematical complexity.
~ Jumpstart Guide for Practitioners - guide to accompany the Problems of the Month
~ Formative Re-engaging Lessons - Formative Re-Engaging Lessons involve a cycle of inquiry, instruction, assessment, analysis, selection, and re-engagement around a mathematical concept. Each Formative Re-Engaging Lesson includes a classroom video of the lesson, downloadable lesson plan, student pages, pre- and post-assessments, and supporting instructional materials.
~ Classroom Videos
~ Resources for Social and Emotional Learning in Mathematics Classrooms

Put every student on the path to success!
Identify gaps, help students learn and measure growth all in one easy system. In the classroom and at home.
Quickly identify learning gaps with diagnostic and formative assessments.
Give students differentiated assignments to remediate, reinforce or challenge.
Monitor progress towards standards mastery to ensure students stay on track.

This resource includes great assessment tips for Kindergarten to Grade 5 for in-class assessment as well as ideas for teachers who are providing remote learning to their students. We Are Teachers is a tremendous place to find ots of wonderful teaching resources in all areas for all grade levels. Check it out the complete site at: https://www.weareteachers.com/

Looking at Mistakes as a Chance to Grow in My Learning

This is a complimentary section from the Corwin Press book "Becoming an Assessment Capable Visible Learner".

Thinking of students on different pathways to learning can help us better understand Personalized Learning.
Implementing learning pathways can help teachers to "adapt to each student’s learning progress, motivation and goals".

In the example given (and there are many more versions you could use!) Students are on 3 pathways. All pathways get small group instruction!

Pathway 1 - these are the students that are usually ahead. They skip over some things and get into the deeper work.
Pathway 2 - the "core" track for students working at level.
Pathway 3 - these students may have gaps or work more slowly. They don't get MORE work, but work at their level. They will likely get more small group instruction than the other paths.

Formative assessment is used on all pathways to improve instruction and learning.

*students can move between pathways if desired or necessary!

Basic Concepts of Math from The Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools was created as a numeracy diagnostic to assess the Saskatchewan Math curriculum. This assessment provides a snapshot of student performance., and it is intended to give an indication of grade level outcome achievement in math. This information can be used to inform your instruction and help meet your students' needs.  Sask DLC teachers proceed to section 2 for interim materials.