This session will provide insights into using the Tools for Teachers digital platform to improve student learning. Materials on the website have been created and vetted by practicing educators from across the country, the digital platform was developed and is maintained by, the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium. These resources are aligned to state instructional outcomes and with proper planning, may lead to the use of the formative assessment process as they can provide evidence of learning and provide feedback to move student learning forward. These resources can be useful to users of any benchmark assessments, before or after these assessments are used this fall, the platform is newly available to all MI educators through MDE.
Outcomes: Participants will..
- Explore the formative assessment process and how Tools for Teachers might be used as a gateway to the use of the formative assessment process by students and their teachers.
- Begin to understand what professional learning may be needed for effective use of these resources.
- Gain confidence using the Tools for Teachers digital platform.
- Understand the FAME program as a vehicle to develop educator and district capacity to deepen formative assessment practice and process.
Presenter: Kim Young
Assessment Consultant, Michigan Department of Education
Director of FAME Program
Kim Young provides professional learning on formative assessment to Michigan educators through her leadership of the FAME (Formative Assessment for Michigan Educators) program. The FAME program is part of the Office of Assessment and Accountability within the Michigan Department of Education. Kim draws on 34 years of educational experience that includes classroom teaching, high-school counseling, and high-school principal leadership.
Kim is appreciated by national colleagues, as a champion for the formative assessment process. Recently she has highlighted how to transfer formative assessment practices to virtual environments.
Presenter: Ed Roeber
Assessment Director, Michigan Assessment Consortium
Director of FAME Research and Development
Ed Roeber has been involved with the FAME program since inception in 2007. Unique to Michigan’s FAME program is continuing research and development activities that serve to annually improve the program and contribute to the field in relationship to how best to develop the capacity of educators to use the formative assessment process.
As Assessment Director for the Michigan Assessment Consortium, Ed has led the development of the Assessment Literacy Standards, referenced and used in Michigan as well as nationally.
Presenter: Ellen Vorenkamp
Assessment Consultant, Wayne RESA
FAME Lead
Ellen Vorenkamp has served the FAME project since 2008 as a Learning Team member, Coach, and Lead. She contends that using the formative assessment process helps teachers get to the heart of good teaching and learning.
As an assessment consultant for an ESA, Ellen has vast experience supporting districts and teachers to improve their practice and assessment systems. Recently she has contributed to guidance documents and professional learning opportunities to support teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
