Benjamin C Helton’s Updates
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Differentiated Assessment: The Time Ratio
This is a rough one... On the one hand, I want to ensure that our students are learning and we must create measurement tools. On the other hand, I don't have time to write 13 different assessments for my classes. When I was teaching high school...More
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Creative Assessment
I don't like using the word "creative" when thinking of designing assessment or any kind of instruction. "Creative" is too often confused with "imaginative" and is used as a catch-all for "thinking outside the box." All of which are incredibly v.....More
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edTPA Advocacy: Forming an Argument Against
We all live in fear of Pearson Inc. It is a leviathan consuming our assessment autonomy and it is only getting stronger. I say this facetiously, of course, but when I see arguments attempting to advocate against the implementation of edTPA as a...More
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Devil's Advocate: A Case for Standardized Tests
Ok, ok, ok. I get it. Standardized tests (STs) are not popular. I don't really like them myself. I taught public schools for 6 years during the height of NCLB and the start of Race to the Top. Also, I was a band di...More
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Measuring Musical Knowledge
Assessment is never cut and dry in music ensembles in schools like bands and choirs. The ability to track musical progress comes in a number of forms and it depends on how you view music at a philosophical level. There are two main thoughts: one...More