Formative Assessment
I regularly use in-class formative assessments, ranging from informal "Thumbs up, thumbs down" to more formal written "Tickets to Leave," with a variety in between.
Two to three times per unit, students complete short written "Checkpoints" (usually online) to help them learn to effectively communicate their mathematical thinking, and to help me and them to gauge their level of understanding of the concepts.
Ongoing Skills Practice
In all of my classes, regardless of level, students engage in consistent cumulative mathematics review. In most classes, this takes the form of regular "Mad Minutes" quizzes, which consist of 3 to 5 skills-based problems encompassing standards from prior units and courses. Optional extra practice is always provided to interested students.
For selected skills (e.g. factoring quadratic equations, using the Unit Circle, rules of differentiation), students take "Gateway" quizzes. These are quizzes that students can take multiple (usually 4-6) versions to provide them more opportunities to master the needed skills.
Summative Assessments
Traditional tests and quizzes are certainly my most-used summative assessment tool. (These are usually more scaffolded for lower-level classes). In addition, students often take partner quizzes to not only assess their summative knowledge but improve their collaboration and communication skills.
Mathematical Communication
Improving students' mathematical communication skills has become an integral part of my practice. Students regularly collaborate with partners and larger groups, both informally and formally, inside and outside of class. Each unit includes both formative and summative assessments that involve mathematical communication, from partner quizzes to presentations to formal writing assignments.
Opportunities for Revision
In keeping with Shrewsbury High School's core values, students are provided with opportunities for revision to improve their understanding. In my classes, I have a "rework policy" that allows students to rework one quiz per quarter and encourages metacognition and communication.
