How Assessment FOR Learning Became a Focus
The region has undertaken a process for choosing Assessment FOR Learning as a research focus and developing a professional development program for teachers.
The region engaged the services of Dr. Sonia Ben Jaafar from Aporia Consulting to guide research efforts. Dr. Ben Jaafar analyzed the research needs of all school authorities and boards to create a Needs Assessment report for the region. The next step was to bring representatives from all boards and authorities together for two one-day sessions working through a framework to arrive at a common topic, Assessment FOR Learning. Establishing benchmarks was a key to determine where efforts should be focused. Dr. Ben Jaafar developed a comprehensive survey to be delivered to all teachers within the region to measure their perceptions of Assessment FOR Learning. A report summarizing the results of the survey was compiled and Dr. Ben Jaafar and a colleague, Saad Chahine began creating Professional Development material on Assessment FOR Learning based on the results of the survey. As a result, a one day Assessment FOR Learning workshop has been created and facilitated by Mr. Chahine. A webcast is being developed for this workshop to help with delivery of the material. Dr Ben Jaafar and Mr. Chahine have also developed an online Learning Program as the second phase of this professional development.