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Educational researchers endorsed a series of small evaluations in K-12 classrooms rather than few high-stakes tests

Researchers consider grading in pandemic learning

Educational researchers endorsed a series of small evaluations in K-12 classrooms rather than few high-stakes tests

January 28, 2021 — 

As reported by the Winnipeg Free Press:

Educational researchers endorsed a series of small evaluations in K-12 classrooms rather than few high-stakes tests — both amid the COVID-19 pandemic and in the future — during a panel about fair assessment this week.

On Tuesday night, the University of Manitoba’s education faculty hosted a virtual event that featured Canadian educators with expertise in fair, ethical and effective evaluation practices.

Topics ranged from culturally-responsive evaluations to assessment methods that empower students rather than simply attach their value to a percentage grade.

Evaluations can both support and enhance learning, but they can also contribute to inequities, said Martha Koch, an assistant education professor at U of M, in her opening moderator remarks.

With that in mind, the Canadian Assessment for Learning Network, which Koch is involved with, released considerations for how to grade students during the pandemic.

The suggestions, which were published in the spring, recommend ensuring all students have equitable learning opportunities, clear communication, and for early- and middle-years teachers, report cards only with written comments and no grades.

(Read more at Winnipeg Free Press).

MAGGIE MACINTOSH, WINNIPEG FREE PRESS

 

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