Making Assessment Work for Educators Who Hate Data but LOVE Kids

by David Schmittou

Data has become synonymous with other four-letter words, as a source of profanity not to be uttered in schools, yet being assessment literate is actually a key component in generating highly effective learning environments. In this book, Dr. Schmittou takes the often dreaded conversation about assessment and data and makes it manageable, useful, and relevant. This is not a book about scale scores, Rausch Units, or standard deviations. This is a book designed to help classroom teachers get to know their students better by creating and using assessment in a systemic and systematic way that actually makes sense. If you are an educator who loves students, loves your content, and loves teaching, but you hate the high stakes environment that schools have become because of the misunderstandings surrounding numbers, labels, and data, then this is the book for you. Jump in and learn practical tips for understanding how to reach EACH child in your quest to teach EVERY child. Knowing the difference between EACH and EVERY is THE difference.

161 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 15, 2020

Reviews

[Peter Myers]

Dave states “Assessments cannot be valid or invalid, but our inferences can be.” His philosophy opened my eyes to see how assessments are truly only the “four-letter word” unless educators use assessments to effectively evaluate students’ strengths and their readiness to embrace next opportunities.

The second point that Dave expresses that resonates with me: “Learning is a process, so why don’t we grade that way?” This is a great book with simple assessment fixes - I am excited to implement the Tic-Tac-Toe and Rubrics assessment methods.

[Alex Valencic · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick but powerful read, "Making Assessment Work" takes you on a journey of remembering what matters most so that you can "focus on the focus" and use assessment data to support instead of punish. With practical tips and do-tomorrow suggestions, I would recommend this book to any educator who "hates data but loves kids"!

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finishing books for school means the semester is almost over 🥳🥳

[Charri Trembley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could really connect with a lot of what Dave put out there in this book. If you have questions about standards based grading and why it is important this is a good read for you.

[Elizabeth Jorgensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author, Dave Schmittou, is an amazing resource. This book is a fast, easy read, with practical suggestions. Dave is also always willing to help out any educator. I would 100% recommend anything Dave does!