Partnering With Higher Education

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Partnering With Higher Education

• Dr. Delwyn Harnisch, University of NE, Lincoln
• Dr. Jody Isernhagen, University of NE, Lincoln
• Dr. Cindy Gray, Elkhorn Public Schools
• Jan Hoegh, Aurora Public Schools
• Darin Kelberlau, Elkhorn Public Schools
• Tom Neumann, Millard South High School

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Timeline for UNL Cohort ProgramsNebraska
Assessment Cohort - NAC Nebraska Leadership for
Learning - NLL
STARS Accountability Legislation Passed
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UNL Assessment Cohort for Teachers (NAC)
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The Assessment Reality for Teachers

• Most teachers never receive formal training in
  educational measurement or assessment
  construction.

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Course of Study

• 18 graduate hours
• Two 6-credit hour blocks offered over consecutive
  summers
• Six credit hours of practicum during the
  intervening school year

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NAC Goals (Traditional)

• Fundamentals of Educational Measurement
• Large-Scale Standardized Tests
• Classroom-Based Assessment
• Quality Indicators
• Item and Rubric Construction
• Data Analysis

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More NAC Goals

• Analysis of Classroom Data for the Purpose of
  Improving Instruction
• Student-Involved Assessment
• Communication and Public Presentation
• Collaborative Leadership Skills
• School Improvement and Policy Decisions

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Scientist-Practitioner Model

• Project Experiences
• Evaluation of Large Scale Standardized
  Assessments
• Review of Quality Criteria of Teacher-Made
  Assessments
• Communication of Assessment Information
• Analysis of Item Level Data
• Analysis of Survey Data
• Full Year Project Demonstrating Knowledge of
  Assessment and Application for the Improvement of
  Student Learning

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• I have yet to see a school where the learning
  curves of adults were steep upward and those of
  the students were not. Teachers and students go
  hand in hand as learners or they dont go at
  all.
• Roland Barth

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Developing Teacher Leadership
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The classroom changed

• Standards changed everything
• Accountability like never before
• From traditional to standards-based

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Teachers are the Key

• Assessment Literacy
• The process.
• Unpack the standards
• Write proficiency level definitions
• Write assessments
• Peer review
• Revise and refine
• Million dollar conversations

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Lessons Learned

• Assessment informs instruction
• Sound assessment practices needed
• Administrative support necessary
• Special education teachers vital

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Lessons Learned

• Grading and reporting
• Data Analysis
• School Improvement

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NAC Decision

• Academic Interest
• Good for students
• Increased knowledge base
• Education is NEVER wasted
• Professional Interest
• Understand Assessment
• Learning Communities
• Professional growth
• Reputation
• Not then-but now!

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Knowledge Gained

• Basic program what is assessment, how to write,
  how to develop, how to analyze
• Match your assessment to your course goals, state
  standards, and national standards
• Targets vs Methods (Rick Stiggins)

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Why NAC?

• Graduate credits
• Ownership in a curriculum guide
• Learning community
• Open the unknown door

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NAC Advice

• Get involved in NAC with a partner or a
  Professional Learning Community (PLC)
• Start with a light load and dont be afraid to
  keep it light (keep implementation a realistic
  goal)
• Take time to meet with learning community
• Dont be afraid to assess your assessments

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Build Your Resume

• Assessment Endorsement
• PLC
• Graduate Research Teaching Assistant
• NAEPS
• Buros Institute
• Lets not forget
• Will it benefit teaching AND learning?
• How will it actually help STUDENTS?

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Teacher Learnings