This state-wide, project based, year long training (consisting of four sessions and some online work) will focus on equipping teachers of 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, High School Government, High School Economics, and more this year . . . . with the knowledge and skills necessary to create and evaluate assessments that are similar to those being produced by the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium.The training will focus on understanding:

• depth of knowledge
• text complexity
• question writing that assesses skills AND content
• scoring Smarter Balanced-like items

Participants will collaboratively create an extensive end-of-course assessment for their grade level (3, 4, HS Economics, or HS Government, ). Spatial and temporal thinking skills will be infused within the skills demanded of the C3 Framework and CCSS ELA literacy standards for history/social studies.

New this year even with 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, HS Economics, HS Government as the focus we will keep all grade levels in Social Studies open. The true nature of the work is about exploring the standards and using that analysis to drive assessment and instruction. With the potential of the new standards likely many grade levels will be interested in this work. Feel free to reach out with any questions you might have at markraffler@kentisd.org.

P.A.S.S.T. can be found on the website:
http://passtmoodle.wmisd.org/
SCECHs will be offered through Wexford Missaukee ISD

Note: This course is aligned with the School Improvement Framework

I.ST3.GI.ST3.H

Mark Raffler

Mark graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor’s Degree for Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Educational Technology.  He has served as an elementary teacher in Plainwell Community Schools, instructional technology specialist for Grand Rapids Public Schools, an Adjunct Professor for Western Michigan University, and most recently an Educational Consultant for the Kent Intermediate School District that specializes in English Language Arts, MTSS and Social Studies.