Course Description: The focus of this Course is the use of exemplars for the purposes of improving student achievement. Through the use of exemplars in the classroom, teachers are able to show students what quality work looks like. Assessment criteria and levels of performance descriptors related to specific tasks become clarified with exemplars as a reference point. The discussion of exemplars with students and their parents promotes a better understanding of performance expectations, and characteristics of work at various levels. Using exemplars as a basis of professional pedagogical discussion facilitates consistency in assessment practices among teachers. Exemplar documents can provide a valuable resource for teachers, students, and parents.
Learning Outcomes: In this course you will:
Understand the purpose and uses of exemplars;
Explore the components of exemplars documents;
Understand a process to develop exemplars;
Work toward greater consistency in the assessment of student work;
Expand students` understanding of assessment criteria and performance descriptors;
Focus on the qualities of student work at the four levels of achievement.
