enhancing student independence with formative assessments

Written by Macey Conlan

tweaking instruction with formative assessments

This past year, we made a shift in our teaching that completely changed our approach to fostering student independence in elementary classrooms. Formative assessments became our new best friend, and the results were astounding. By stepping back and letting go of the constant hand-holding, we allowed our students to show what they were truly capable of in the short term. This shift not only enhanced student learning outcomes but also improved our ability to make data-driven instructional decisions.

leaning toward independence

As an educator, you may wonder why some students continue to struggle, even after significant time and effort has been invested. Summative assessments often left me with unanswered questions. Why were students still falling behind despite weeks of instruction? It became clear—student independence was lacking. If we don’t assess their growth along the way with tools like formative assessments in elementary schools, how can we expect them to perform when it counts? Incorporating regular, low-stakes assessment strategies allowed us to pinpoint areas where students needed immediate support, preventing larger gaps in learning.

the power of data-driven decisions

Using data from frequent formative assessments, I witnessed my students grow in ways I never imagined. By the end of the year, 100% of my students were reading on grade level—a number I had never experienced before. The key was using data to inform instruction. The more I trusted students to learn independently, the more they retained. Administrators and instructional leaders often ask how to improve student achievement while promoting independence. The answer lies in making decisions backed by real-time data and adjusting instruction accordingly.

let go and watch them grow

If you find yourself gripping too tightly to traditional methods of instruction, I encourage you to trust your students. Give them the tools to succeed with frequent formative assessments, and watch how they respond to the responsibility. They just might surprise you.