Eighteenth National Congress on Rural Education

March 17 - 19, 2013
TCU Place, Saskatoon SK
(Formerly the Centennial Auditorium)

Rural Schools: Making a Difference

Pre-Congress Workshop
What the Heck is Happening with Student Assessment and Evaluation?

THE SESSION: Over the past decade, thousands of studies have been conducted examining the ways in which assessment and evaluation can positively impact on the teaching and learning process. The research has consistently demonstrated the power classroom assessment can have in supporting student learning. This session will examine the research-based practices that consistently demonstrate improvement in student learning that includes:

• providing clarity around learning outcomes and sharing criteria for success with students,
• using varied approaches to assessing student learning,
• using formative assessment,
• involving students in the learning and assessment process, and
• using outcomes-referenced grading and reporting.

In addition, this interactive session will examine the impact these changes have on school division policy development and the types of policy needed in order for assessment practices to support student learning.

THE PRESENTER: Cheryl Erlandson is the Director of a highly successful professional development unit. In her role at SPDU, Cheryl creates professional development resources and activities that focus on professional growth of teachers and supports for student learning. Although the work of unit primarily supports Saskatchewan teachers and administrators, SPDU has delivered programming in other provinces.

Prior to joining SPDU, Cheryl was a middle year’s teacher with the Saskatoon Public School Division for 16 years. As well, she has been a sessional lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan instructing classes on student assessment and children’s literature. Cheryl has done presentations on a variety of topics in Alberta, British Columbia, P.E.I. and Nova Scotia.