STUDENT DATA BINDERS
As far as formative assessments go, the possibilities are endless! This is really exciting for me, as I can continually search for and create the best way to display student growth and achievement. One idea that has me very eager to get started in the classroom is the creation of student data binders. Of course, this is nothing new and I definitely don't take credit for being the first to think of it, but I believe it is one of the best ways to demonstrate a child's improvement over the course of time.
Data binders include information in all content areas, with a variety of assessments such as unit tests and quizzes, daily writing samples, examples of project work, notes from reading conferences, rubrics, self-evaluations and student reflections on their work, and other assessment data utilized by the district. It is organized by subject matter and date, which is separated by a tab and title page for each section. This makes it easy to identify and focus on a particular area when desired. These data binders could even include a section on student behavior life skills to demonstrate a child's growth in areas aside from academics.
Students learn to take ownership of these data binders early on and throughout the course of the school year. They are given the chance to decorate the cover of the binder to individualize it at the beginning of the year and are told these are their sacred binders that will showcase all they learn through the school year. At the end of each quarter, and the end of the year, we will be able to look back and have a wonderful display of the student's accomplishments. The child will have some input on what samples they want to include. They may also wish to add pictures to their binder of particular pieces of work.
Now, here is the BEST part of the data binders - after all the hard work that students put into their binders, they will be the ones to present it to their parents during student-led conferences. During this time, the student is responsible once again for taking ownership of his/her learning and being able to clearly communicate what it is the student has achieved. The student develops awareness of his/her strengths and also areas in which they wish to improve. At the beginning of the year, the student will practice this conference with the teacher to provide some confidence and to ensure we are on the same page. By mid-year and beyond, students should have the capacity to carry on the conference without too much support needed. I believe a conference led by the student has far more value than one dictated by the teacher, and ongoing student data binders are a wonderful way to highlight student progress.
