Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting

FORMATIVE  The Assessment for Learning Bulletin

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Formative Assessment

Formative assessment, also known as assessment for learning is a planned, ongoing process used by all students and teachers during learning and teaching to elicit and use evidence of student learning to improve student understanding of intended disciplinary learning outcomes and support students to become more self-directed learners. Evidence and feedback are used to move learning forward by adjusting learning strategies, goals or next instructional steps (SCASS, 2017). 

Assessment for learning and visible learning strategies improve student achievement, help students become independent, self‐monitoring learners, and ensure equitable access to learning for all students (Black & Wiliam, 1998; Clarke, 2008; Hattie & Yates, 2014). 

A key strategy to address equity and access in Hawaii’s schools is the use of equitable formative assessment and visible learning practices to facilitate different types of understanding.  Using these practices, teachers:


Central to the formative assessment process and assessment for learning is the development of what Frey, Fisher, and Hattie (2018) describe as “assessment capable learners.” These learners display the following characteristics:

In addition, researchers describe sets of questions to guide learning. These questions ensure that students know where they are and where they are going and provide a means for teachers to support their learning:

QUESTIONS FOR STUDENTS — Hattie & Timperley (2007); Chappuis (2015)

QUESTIONS FOR TEACHERS — DuFour (2004)

Additionally, the six interdependent learning outcomes of HĀ require the creation of learning environments and opportunities that engage and challenge students, and help them develop a strong sense of self and culture. It is considered essential that students be involved in the evaluative process “since it is the student’s learning and personal growth that are being assessed” (BOE Policy 102-12). Student reflection on their progress “shall be constructive, enabling the students to understand his/her responsibilities as they relate to performance and attainment of standards” (BOE Policy 102-12). When students are engaged in self-assessment and monitoring of their learning, they develop a strong sense of self-efficacy and are much more likely to succeed when their individual needs are met, and their abilities are valued and nurtured.

The Self‐Assessment Continuum

This continuum, rooted in the work of Black and Wiliam (1998; 2008), guides teachers to understand the relationship among the elements of assessment for learning that allow students to self-monitor and set goals for future learning. It also equips students with the language of assessment for learning. As students move through the continuum, they are engaged in each stage of the assessment for learning process and, in doing so, students access the tools to develop mindsets of growth and continuous learning. 

Adapted from: http://www.edugains.ca/newsite/aer/prolearn face/video_guides.html

Self-assessment continuum graphic. The continuum is Learning Goals, Success Criteria, Descriptive Feedback, Self and Peer Assessment, and Individual Goal Setting. This is fed by gathering information, and engineering effective questions, conversations, and learning tasks.

Evaluation and Reporting Agreements

Policy 102-12 requires that all grades given K to 12 are valid and reliable indicators of achievement of standards. When evaluating and reporting student progress, the following agreements ensure that the relevant stakeholders are provided with the information necessary to support continuous growth and student achievement (Davies, Herbst and Parrot Reynolds, 2011). 

The learning destination (relating to standards or outcomes)

Reliable and valid evidence of learning

Evaluation at end of learning in preparation for reporting

Informed professional judgement