Proof that Matters

I viewed an online conference, by Gardner Campbell, regarding proof that matters, which took a look at the validity of current assessment practices. While standardized tests are mentioned and the value we place in those scores is criticized some; I feel the bigger message of this online conference is about other ways we can assess student knowledge and understanding. Standardized tests are unlikely to go away any time soon. However, this does not mean that we have to only use those scores or other written exam scores to uncover student understanding.
A few suggestions the narrator provides include:
Providing a showcase for students to display and share their work with others including other students within their school, other schools and with the public.
Students can show the teacher their level of understanding. Gardner has developed an Apgar scale (taken from the test a baby is given when it is first born) and changed it for application in the classroom. Students answer a series of questions and rate themselves on those questions using the scale. The teacher can then take a look at the class Apgar score and see where the class falls. A sample of the test is available on presentation.
Through play and metaphor students can show their understanding. They can relate what they learned to prior knowledge and explain how those things compare. Play can also be used to demonstrate knowledge, and provides students with an experience they are likely to remember. Gardner says the Apgar scale is a form of play that can be used.
Through witnessing, which means that the students can give testimony on what they have learned. Witnessing is an active thing we do not a passive observation.

The online conference itself was very interesting, but I also enjoyed reading an article suggested in the conference written by a man that works for Kaplan. He has been hired by Kaplan to go around to many New York City schools, and provide test prep for the Regents exam. It was very enlightening and I recommend viewing it.

You can access the conference and the article through the links below.

http://k12onlineconference.org/?p=301

http://harpers.org/archive/2008/09/0082166