While this class was super informative, I have to admit, I was a tad bit overwhelmed.
I love the idea behind the Virgina Quality Criteria Review Tool, but I’m super overwhelmed by the thought of having to refer to it with each assessment. I know Dr. Stohr said maybe 4ish times a year, but with the shift toward performance based assessments, I can’t help but wonder if it will become the tool which we will have to place all of our assessments against. I’m probably getting ahead of myself(shocker, huh?) but I can’t stop thinking about what that will look like. Will this become second nature? Will I feel more comfortable once I am more familiar with the tool? Even though the VQCRT is used for the big assessments, will it become the norm for all assessments?
Ok, now that I’ve gotten that out, I feel better. Time to focus on the exciting part of class-when Megan and Diane showed us how to implement DBQs. Having the two of them present and not only tell us how it was done but SHOW us was huge. The handout on DBQs was great, but seeing how it would actually play out was super helpful! I would definitely incorporate this strategy into my instruction especially given how DBQs also go hand and hand with UbD and incorporate all 6 deep learning competencies, both ensuring student success!
Hi Sarah, It is good to get exposure to the QCRT now and hopefully your school will refer to it in the future. Ideally, you will use it in PLCs where the discussions will be very valuable. Using it in the interim I think that the tool will be great as a sort of checklist as you go to make sure your performance assessments contain rigor and clear directions for students. It is a very helpful tool.
I am glad you found value in our guest teachers. I am so impressed with the work they are doing and I just knew our class would benefit from seeing their presentation.