In week 10 we learned about assessments which connect to Standard 4 which is “beginning special education professionals use multiple methods of assessment and data sources in making educational decisions”. During this week we learned how traditional assessment may not work for all students. We have to learn different methods to find data and to make educational decisions. For example, observations, rating scales, qualitative and classroom based assessments should be in place. Areas to assess aren’t just academically but socially, how they communicate, behave, emotion and motor skills. Not all students should be defined by a test, it can help but seeing the child in everyday life in the classroom and how they interact with friends.
This will help me in my future classroom because I will be the one assessing the students for services and having that knowledge of there are other ways. Such as PCP which helps students that have more significant disabilities who need an alternative from the traditional testing which focuses on their strengths, preferences, interests and needs. Which strengthens my knowledge on other ways to assess my students when needed. I would want to inquire this in my testing because you can really know what they need at home and what works for them in school and it can build on their IEP with strengths and weaknesses.
