As a general rule, I front load my units/projects by previewing and discussing the end product first and then using the following weeks to provide instruction and practice to ensure success criteria.
Since we’re starting our new unit now, we’ve been spending time looking at the assessment, modifying it together and now discussing how students can find success with the skills being assessed.
Rather than just provide a rubric and a sample, students were split up into groups focusing on a particular standard.
Students needed to review the assignment (which they annotated yesterday) and the rubric and align past learning with the standard they were responsible for.
Each group made a chart and shared out around the room. Students then were asked to take pictures of each of the charts and return to their seats.
As they worked together to determine what success will look like and why they were working on these skills, I walked around the room answering questions and listening to their conversations.
After we shared out and developed a list of skills from the standards, students were asked to answer an exit ticket (that was emailed to them) that asked the following:
Exit ticket: Based on the success criteria established and the work we've done in class thus far, what skills and/or content do you feel you're already proficient in or mastering? How do you know? Which areas do you feel you need the most help with? What lessons will you need to find success? 1. What skills and/or content do you feel you're already proficient in or mastering? 2. How do you know? 3. What areas do you feel you need the most help with? 4. What lessons would be helpful to find success? Thanks! Make sure to check your email and "pupilpath" regularly for feedback.
Right after class, I read their emails and provide them feedback as well as gather data to align my mini-lessons to ensure success for all. Number four is of particular use to me, asking students to identify areas of need. This is essential to helping them reflect and be more metacognative. The better informed they are about their own learning, strengths and challenges, the better they can get their needs met and I can be helpful in how that happens.
Students need to know what is being assessed, so they can name and understand what they are learning and more importantly why. In this way they can start to connect their learning to real skills that will be of use to them in the future.
How do you ensure that students understand success criteria? Please share.