Pre-Assessment

Description:

Pre-assessment tools typically include a prompt and or a question. These probes specifically elicit prior understandings that may or may not have been uncovered during a previous instructional unit. These assessments guide teachers when creating instructional plans to meet specific student needs.

Examples:

• Open Middle by Nanette Johnson and Robert Kaplinsky
  • Open middle problems invite multiple ways of approaching and solving problems. They provide excellent insight into how a student begins and thinks about a mathematical concept. The pre-assessment tools are categorized by grade and specific math topics.
• IXL Learning (Free Limited Trials Available; Subscription Required for Full Access to Site)
  • The IXL real-time diagnostic tool provides teachers with a comprehensive portrait of students’ knowledge, which pinpoints students’ grade level proficiency in key math strands.
• Mathletics (Free Limited Trials Available; Subscription Required for Full Access to Site)
  • Mathletics provides teachers the opportunity to assess students’ knowledge base prior to each lesson.
  • It includes a section of “Are You Ready” be

Further Reading/Professional Resources:

• Robert Kaplinsky: Math Strategies and Resources
  • This site provides lessons, resources and teaching experiences to help math educators who want their students to become better problem solvers.
• Practicing Questioning Skills
  • This article discusses the benefits of asking specific questions that help teachers assess students’ knowledge.

School Division Resources:

• Sun West School Division Resource Bank
  • This resource bank is a searchable system that parents, students, and educators can use to find lessons and resources from Kindergarten to grade 12.