Podcast Transcript, Ep 135-137 - A New Assessment Tool for Teachers

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Years: 3-4, 5-6, 7-8, K-2

20 Pages

Product Code: TEAC2440

Resource Type: Professional Readings

About this teaching resource

A New Assessment Tool for Teachers with Sharon Callen

Episodes 135-137

Product Overview

This three-part podcast series features literacy consultant Sharon Callen discussing the innovative "Listening To Reading, Watching While Writing" protocol developed by Nell Duke and her team (Ward and Klingelhofer). Released between 2020-2023, this free assessment tool places teachers in the researcher's seat, offering a practical approach to literacy assessment and instruction.

Key Features

Informal Formative Assessment Tool: Designed for use during normal daily instruction or when reflecting on students' reading and writing
Reciprocity Focus: Addresses the interconnected nature of reading and writing development
On-the-Spot Teaching: Enables immediate, responsive teaching based on real-time observations
Comprehensive Framework: Covers word identification, spelling strategies, letter formation, comprehension monitoring, vocabulary, fluency and more
Adaptable Structure: Can be implemented in full or in targeted sections based on classroom needs
Conversational Prompts: Includes specific prompts to guide teacher-student interactions

Benefits for Teachers

Immediate Application: Allows for responsive teaching in the moment rather than delayed analysis
Student-Centred: Positions students as active participants in their learning journey
Curriculum Alignment: Connects directly to curriculum requirements while focusing on individual needs
Flexible Implementation: Can be introduced gradually, focusing on specific aspects like fluency
Practical Integration: Works seamlessly with existing classroom tools like Personal Word Walls
Professional Development: Encourages teachers to become researchers in their own classrooms

What Makes This Tool Different

Unlike traditional running records or standardised assessments that focus primarily on scoring, this protocol:

Does not yield levels or scores but guides instruction directly
Encourages authentic conversation about reading and writing
Provides a framework for meaningful observation during the reading/writing process
Honours the humanity of assessment through student-teacher connection
Can be customised to meet specific classroom needs