"Hammerman focuses on the meaning and centrality of formative assessment, providing insights, examples, and ties to numerous individual initiatives to improve science experiences for students and to inspire better teaching for teachers."--Robert E. Yager, Professor of Science EducationUniversity of Iowa

"This book addresses the various assessments used in our schools and how they can be approached to improve learning."--Elizabeth Alvarez, Math and Science CoachChicago Public Schools, IL

Use formative assessment to guide successful teaching and learning in science!

Proven to be one of the most powerful tools for promoting effective learning, formative assessment enables teachers to capture evidence of student thinking and learning and use that information to adjust instruction. In this concise resource, science educator Elizabeth Hammerman clearly outlines the formative assessment process and provides practical strategies for embedding assessments into the K-8 standards-based science curriculum.

This research-based book demonstrates how student-centered assessment helps students assume more responsibility for what they learn and how they learn. Teachers can use the various models of formative assessments to monitor student progress and evaluate learning. The author guides readers through discussions, "thought and reflection" activities, analyses of assessment techniques, and applications to classroom practice.

Ideal for teachers and science and curriculum specialists, this user-friendly resource provides all the necessary tools to:

• Assess student understanding using observation checklists, questioning strategies, notebooks, reports, graphic organizers, projects, and performance tasks
• Differentiate science instruction to reach all learners
• Use rubrics as a means of discovering student strengths and weaknesses
• Collect student data to inform instructional decisions

With this easy-to-implement guide, any teacher can effectively use formative assessment strategies to enhance instruction and increase student achievement in science.