Considerations+for+the+Consultation+Document

=Considerations for Creating a Consultation Process on Assessment Policy=

 **__Introduction__**

This document's intent is to lay the groundwork for a group in the infancy stages of an Assessment Policy Consultation process. While Assessment is a large topic, this document will specifically examine consideration for an Assessment FOR Learning Policy. Assessment FOR learning (formative assessment) incorporates those assessments that are conducted while learning is underway. These assessments are used to diagnose student needs, provide students with descriptive feedback, and create goals for improving quality of work and student success. On the other hand, Assessment OF learning (Summative assessment) includes those assessments that are used after learning has taken place, to determine students' learning status at a certain point in time.

As part of an Assessment Policy Committee, there are multiple considerations that need to take place before, during, and after implementation. The points that follow should be considered to provide a sense of magnitude of the tasks that will need to be undertaken. This document is meant to be used as a resource and guide. The approach finally taken by any group will and should be tailored to the particular educational climate in which its creation takes place.

Assessment itself is a very large topic and can be addressed in many different ways. Understand the needs of the school and focus on the needs of the school community.
 * __Scope of Process__**


 * What is the scope of assessment that you intend to address?
 * Increase/decrease formative assessment
 * Increase/decrease summative assessment
 * When would change take place?
 * day-to-day, end of term/semester, end of year?
 * what grade levels/age groups - elementary, secondary (top-down, or bottom-up?)

To get a clear understanding of the needs and wants of the school community, members of the community need to be consulted. It is important for the Committee to get a clear understanding of the culture of the school.
 * __Stakeholders__ **
 * Who are the appropriate and necessary stakeholders?
 * What is the culture of the school?
 * Who would you find opposition with and why?
 * Are you operating under a private or public school environment?
 * How do you maintain teacher autonomy?
 * How are you going to consult?
 * Will you have multiple avenues of research and development (survey, wiki, discussions)

__**Time Period and Location for the Consultation Process**__ The Consultation Process is essential to understanding the school community. The location, time of year and how long the consultation process will take needs to be carefully considered with respect to the natural rhythm of a school year.


 * What is the ideal time of year to approach the topic of Assessment?
 * How long should the consultation period take?
 * If policy is implemented one year, should all grades in the school adhere? Or would it be more fair for Gr. 11-12 students to continue with whatever other assessment system their teachers have been using, since they are so close to graduation?
 * Would there be separate meetings for parents, students, teachers, administrators, school staff, etc.

Assessment can be a contentious issue for some school communities. Therefore, as you go through the Consultation process, consider who would be best to facilitate both the conversations with different stakeholders and the final document. Most importantly, the person needs to be someone that is trusted and will listen and be supportive regardless of the opinions and results.
 * __Implementation of the Consultation Process__**


 * Who would be the best person to facilitate a discussion about assessment?
 * Should it be someone neutral or an expert in the field?
 * I think it needs to involve administrators, ideally. We need their support!

__**Implementation of the Assessment Policy**__ Timing is essential to the implementation of an Assessment FOR Learning policy. Schools have a natural rhythm. Once a policy has been created, then the timing of the implementation must be considered. This may include a full implementation all at once or staggered integration.

 __**Measures of Success**__ A tool for measuring Student Achievement could be used to help inform best practice.
 * Who should/would be responsible for ensuring that the Assessment Policy is followed (ie. administrators, dept. heads, etc.)
 * How would teaching staff be supported in implementing a policy such as Assessment for Learning?
 * What type of Professional Development opportunities would this be?
 * Would the opportunities be different from school to school?
 * How would the support be offered (through after school workshops, during ProD Days, during the summer, etc.?)
 * Do you force teachers who do not agree with the policy to follow it anyway?
 * How do you address teacher autonomy?
 * What are the barriers to the implementation process
 * What are the parameters that limit realistic expectations on implementation (laws...)


 * When would measurements start?
 * Would the measures of success be used to help inform best practice?
 * How will measure the success of the policy implementation?
 * Data should be relevant to all stakeholders
 * Data should be tied to learning objectives
 * Data should indicate increased success among students