While student engagement and fun is important in a classroom, it is within their assessments that true learning is demonstrated. I believe that assessments should be used before, during, and after each lesson and unit. It is important to start with a pre-assessment, that ultimately guides the rest of the unit along. Frequent checks for understanding, quizzes, quickwrites, etc. are vital in keeping up with the comprehension of students and making sure they are learning what you think that you are teaching. Lastly, before moving on to a next unit, it is necessary to evaluate what they have learned so that the teacher knows where to go from there.
Although I don't usually consider myself a numbers person, data analysis has become near and dear to my heart. I use qualitative and quantative data to track how my students are doing in relation to each other, in relation to the year, and it always leads my future decision making in my planning. I track my students' Lexile scores and keep track how many books they have finished (and understood) through GoogleSheets. Most importantly, I am transparent in this data. The students know exactly where they stand, and this allows us to set qualitative goals for their future learning.
Although I don't usually consider myself a numbers person, data analysis has become near and dear to my heart. I use qualitative and quantative data to track how my students are doing in relation to each other, in relation to the year, and it always leads my future decision making in my planning. I track my students' Lexile scores and keep track how many books they have finished (and understood) through GoogleSheets. Most importantly, I am transparent in this data. The students know exactly where they stand, and this allows us to set qualitative goals for their future learning.