Evaluation of the Statewide Formative Assessment Initiative in North Carolina: The First-Year Results

• In Event: New Views on Formative Assessments

Abstract

This paper presents descriptive data from an evaluation of the first year of a state-wide formative assessment professional development initiative in North Carolina. This initiative provides access to and encourages all NC teachers and administrators to participate in online professional development system, NCFALCON (North Carolina’s Formative Assessment Learning Community’s Online Network), which is focused on formative assessment instructional practices. Specifically, the paper addresses the following evaluation questions:
1. What are participants’ experiences with the online NCFALCON professional development modules?
2. How do participants’ self-reported beliefs and practices change as a result of NC FALCON professional development?
3. What are schools and districts in North Carolina doing to support teachers’ formative assessment efforts?

Authors

• Nina Arshavsky, University of North Carolina - Greensboro

• Sarah Elizabeth McManus, NC Dept. of Public Instruction

• Ann Z. Poole, University of North Carolina - Greensboro

• Kathleen Mooney, University of North Carolina - Greensboro

• Wendy H. McColskey, University of North Carolina - Greensboro

• Jane E. Manweiler, University of North Carolina - Greensboro