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Welcome to the Aurora City Schools' Assessment for Learning Wiki Space

This wiki has been created by the Aurora City School District. It is our hope that it will be used as a resource guide, a discussion board, and "food for thought" in our quest for professional growth. We have found that professionals participating in worthwhile professional development are energetic and focused on student achievement. Although the title implies a focus on assessment, we understand that teaching in the "age of accountability" requires an understanding of the big picture. We will look at teaching and learning in a standards-based environment with an emphasis on the ideologies of Mastery Learning and Assessment for Learning.

We will start with the importance of collaboration and the planning process. The planning process includes interpreting our state indicators, identifying the indicators of importance (major learnings/tested), and devoloping a common scope and sequence. Once the "big picture" is developed we move into building common summative and formative assessments. After our assessments are built, we design our lessons with a focus on the learning- not the teaching.

Data collection starts once we begin implemeting our assessments. Determinations are made collaboratively to use commonly aligned grading practices, and develop intervention procedures. Once we have all students proving mastery, the summative is given. Finally, using data from our summative, we develop methodology to deliver instruction and guided practice for those indicators still in need of further mastery.


 * Each of the links in the navigation menu found on the left** of this page will offer in-depth explanations __through actual classroom practices__ and outside expert research and opinion. We hope you find this to be a thought-provoking experience, and that you feel the desire to join-in and share your expertise in these areas. Each page will have it's own discussion tab for stimulating thoughts and ideas. Also, when you become a member you can edit your dept. page as you move through your curriculum. While viewing these pages, try to remember "Why you said yes to teaching!"

FOR CURRICULUM RELEASE DAY.....When you are done viewing a page and the provided links, respond to the discussion question located in the discussion tab for each content page. 