Celebrating Growth over Time: Classroom-Based Assessment in Language Arts. Literacy Improvement Series for Elementary Educators.

Predicated on a belief that assessment and evaluation should be vital, planned aspects of the curriculum, this booklet describes classroom-based assessment that serves to inform teachers, students, and parents of the learner's growth as well as to suggest next-step instructional goals. Procedures developed by classrcom teachers which integrate assessment within the instructional process include a photo album project, writing journals/folders, reading logs, and anecdotal records. The approach in the booklet was developed around beliefs that assessment and evaluation are most valuable when they are: (1) reflective of what is known about language and learning; (2) centered in the classroom; (3) compatible with curricular and instructional goals; (4) qualitative as well as quantitative; (5) multidimensional and leading to a profile of growth and progress over time; (6) focused on and developed alongside the child, parent, and teacher; and (7) informative in guiding decisions for next-step instruction. The booklet presents assessment checklists as a means of demonstrating the growth of the readers and writers in their classrooms. Fifteen references, six additional resources, and five resources for checklists are attached. (RS) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** LITERACY IMPROVEMENT SERIES FOR ELEMENTARY EDUCATORS Celebrating Growth Over Time: Classroom-Based Assessment in Language Arts