5.1 Candidates will be able to apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies.
In second grade, we use as many technology tools as we have available to us. MCPS was supposed to provide students in grade 2-5 with Chromebooks to supplement instruction in the classroom. Unfortunately due to the budget cuts, second grade did not receive the Chromebook initiative. To attempt to support our students and utilize the various technology tools for enhancing instruction, we would borrow a few Chromebooks and use the few desktops we had available in our classroom to allow students to engage with these types of programs. One program we utilized in second grade was Prodigy math game. The second grade teachers really enjoy using Prodigy because it is aligned with Common Core State Standards and it is engaging for students. Not only are students able to apply their understanding of content, but teachers are able to informally assess their understanding. In my classroom, I would give different assignments based on what we were working on in the classroom. For example, if we were working on shapes, I would teach students in my small group and then make their independent application an assignment on Prodigy. I was able to not only see how well students did, but I was able to see each of their answers so that I could evaluate where they had a misunderstanding and where I needed to reteach. Then, I could reassess and support them where needed. Prodigy is an example of a technology tool that helps students to meet content standards. This program helps them when we encounter our summative assessment, MAP-P, that students take in the fall, winter, and spring. We also use other technology tools that serve the same purpose such as Ten Marks and Kahoot. The use of these technology tools to support students in their learning meets key concepts 5.1 and 5.2.
5.2 Candidates will be able to use technology to collect assessment data, analyze it, and improve student learning.
See rationale above. Screenshots of Prodigy assessment examples are below.
Prodigy Math Game
Kahoot
5.3 Candidates will be able to use technology to communicate assessment data with others.
Each month, K-5 teachers assess students instructional reading level by using a system MCPS refers to as MIRL (Monitoring Instructional Reading Level). When we assess students and their instructional reading level, we listen to them read for accuracy and fluency, ask them oral comprehension questions, and have them write in response to reading to demonstrate comprehension of that text. We analyze this information to determine if that level text is independent, instructional, or frustrational. Once we collect this data we input it into our online MCPS assessment portal. We document their accuracy, comprehension, and take notes to guide instruction. The MCPS online portal formulates reports that allows us to monitor students reading levels and support them in building their reading skills to advance through reading levels. Next year MCPS will move to the Performance Matters platform which will also allow us to record and analyze student math data to guide our instruction. By using technology to organize this information we are able to communicate with our county leaders, administration, and colleagues to meet the needs of all of our students. Below there is a screenshot of the assessments that we incorporate in our Elementary Integrated Curriculum.