By: Heidi Wall, Assistant Head of the Math Department at Phillips Academy Andover
This October, the mathematics, statistics, and computer science department engaged in two full days of professional development focused on authentic assessment and feedback practices that create learner-centered classrooms. Author and chief operating officer, Starr Sackstein, and educator and chief executive officer, Constance Borro of Mastery Portfolio led the department through activities and breakout sessions that challenged our thinking surrounding grades, assessment, and our beliefs about our students’ role in their learning. The following sessions were offered:
- Using Reflection to Improve Student Learning
- Providing better strategic feedback to increase student learning
- Developing peer-feedback structures to enhance student ownership
- Assessment conferences for greater student equity
These sessions continued the important work that our department has been engaging in relative to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Specifically, we seek to reduce potential biases that may exist in traditional grading and assessment practices by centering the focus of assessment on feedback and emphasizing learning and mastery over grades and compliance. Furthermore, we seek to empower our students to set goals, monitor their progress, and approach their learning from a place of strength, rather than deficit. Finally, we believe this work will create more equitable experiences for our students across multi-section courses through common goal-setting and standards.
The math department would like to thank Linda Carter Griffith, associate head of school for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and Raj Mundra, Dean of Studies for supporting our two days of professional development. We look forward to our continued growth as a department.
Contact us today to learn more about the services Mastery Portolfio can provide, including customized, team-based workshops that challenge and engage teachers to build the best grading philosophy for their community.
Schedule an appointment with a Mastery Portolfio professional here.