Category Archives: Assessment

Ways to Work Around State Testing and Other Disruptions

Posted on March 3, 2018 by msdickson

State and other testing often means disrupted schedules for a period of time. It may include alternate school days, make-up days, or other issues. This is compounded in multi-grade classrooms. Plus, there is a shift in focus from the current … Continue reading →

Posted in Assessment, Secondary Education | Leave a comment

Reasons to (Still) Use the Five Paragraph Essay in High School and Beyond (Even for Advanced Learners)

Posted on March 13, 2017 by msdickson

The five-paragraph essay is a formulaic, bland, rigid model.  But it is also an incredibly structured, challenging guide.  It is a tool that can either stifle a writer or push them towards growth.   I have something of a love-hate relationship … Continue reading →

Posted in Assessment, Secondary Education, Secondary Writing, Testing | Leave a comment

Skip the Book Report! Analyze and Create Instead!

Posted on February 26, 2017 by msdickson

After finishing a novel reading, whether whole group or individual, it’s great to have an activity to wrap up.  While book reports and other retelling projects, are a common choice, especially when dealing with multiple or student selected books, they … Continue reading →

Posted in Assessment, Fun Projects, Secondary Education, Secondary Writing, Teaching, Teaching Ideas | 3 Comments

Why I Don’t Use Multiple Choice Questions

Posted on November 6, 2015 by msdickson

Creating and administering tests is used as an important gauge of student learning by teachers, parents, and administrators.  It’s not the only way, but it’s probably the most common.  In my classroom, when I have to give a test or … Continue reading →

Posted in Assessment, Secondary Education, Teaching, Testing, Uncategorized | Tagged | 1 Comment