Connecticut Sensible Assessment System

Formative Assessment

Formative Assessment is a process used by teachers and students during instruction in every class throughout the school year.

Formative Assessments:

  • are embedded by teachers within learning activities as a quick check up to gauge student learning and understanding.
  • are aligned to grade-level standards and linked directly to current instruction.
  • provide immediate information on important skills and concepts that the student learned and those concepts in which extra teaching is needed.

The Components of the Formative Assessment Process:

  • Clarify Intended Learning
  • Elicit Evidence
  • Interpret Evidence
  • Act on Evidence

How do these components help teachers? 

  • Establish Learning Routines: Consistent use of the strategies helps students internalize and take ownership of their learning and know what to expect so more time can be spent on instruction.
  • Use Across Different Grade-Levels and Content Areas: These strategies can be implemented across content areas and outside of Tools for Teachers resources.
  • Accelerate Learning: Using the formative assessment process iteratively during instruction helps students and teachers identify where they are and what to do next.
  • Build Student Agency: Incorporating strategies into instruction can provide students with an opportunity to have a voice and a choice in their learning.

Resources for Formative Assessment – English Language Arts/Math

  • Tools for Teachers
    • An online collection of resources was written and vetted by educators nationally.
    • All resources are aligned with the Common Core State Standards in math and ELA and were designed to support K-12 teachers in their use of the formative assessment process.
    • Browse a list of Formative Assessment strategies that can be easily included in lessons.
    • Each ELA and math Interim Assessment Block has a corresponding Connections Playlist, created to support struggling students and to enhance learning for students who are scoring above standard as well.
    • Instructional resources include lessons that can be used as a follow up to an interim, or they can be used to supplement existing curriculum.
  • What is Tools for Teachers Video?
  • Smarter Balanced Tool for Teachers Video
  • Smarter Balanced Tool for Teachers Formative Assessment Flyer

Resources for Formative Assessment – Science