Somos Assessment Launch pad

A new approach to instruction requires a new approach to assessment, and many teachers that are focused on teaching language with a focus on acquisition have chosen to adopt a standards-based approach to assessment. Instead of grading students on their performance on classwork, homework, and quizzes and tests of knowledge, a standards-based approach to assessment…

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Assessment for Acquisition Boot Camp

If you are already feeling confident about your language instruction (the why, what, and how of Comprehension-based teaching), but not so sure about assessment, then we have just the thing you need. Assessment for Acquisition Boot Camp, starting soon! ASSESSMENT FOR ACQUISITION BOOT CAMP (A-ABC) is a two-week, self-directed learning experience designed to introduce you to…

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What standards should I set for my language students?

As language teachers begin to consider implementing Standards Based Grading, a question quickly arises: what standards should I be grading? Typically, Standards Based Grading in language classes means basing student grades on their interpretive, presentational, and possibly interpersonal performance on summative assessments. Students complete interpretive reading and listening tasks and presentational writing and/or speaking tasks,…

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Develop assessments that support student success

The outcome of an assessment is never entirely dependent on student competency. There are a bazillion factors that influence student performance on an exam, and truly very few of them give us information about how well the student knows the material. With regard to assessment, it is our responsibility as teachers to limit the influence of those…

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Formative vs. Summative Assessment

Learning the difference between Formative and Summative Assessment has been an important part in my journey to rethinking how to assess and grade students. What is Formative Assessment? Formative Assessment is assessment that happens during a learning period. Formative assessments are like progress checks, and they are intended for the teacher to gather information about…

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