摘要:
This study evaluated teacher practices in middle school English language arts classrooms when teaching teams use common formative assessments to inform instruction. Data for this study was collected through standards based testing, Northwest Evaluation Assessment (NWEA), measures of academic performance (MAP), content area team (CAT) meeting note templates for data inquiry steps in process, and teacher reflections. The findings revealed that implementing common formative assessment creates a supportive learning structure for teachers while they evaluate student work, reflect on teaching practices, and plan future instruction through a collaborative decision making process. Furthermore, the findings revealed that most teachers find the collaborative practice meaningful not only for raising student achievement, but also for improving teaching and learning- two pieces of the puzzle. Based on literature reviewed and research data for "using common formative assessment in middle school English language arts", teachers are better informed for planning differentiated instruction when using common formative assessments and teaching teams participate in data-based dialogue and reflection with their colleagues.