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Rehumanizing Assessment
Gathering Evidence of Student Learning Through Storytelling
Discover the transformative power of storytelling in assessment and student learning. Drawing on culturally responsive practices, this approach fosters innovation, self-reflection, and student engagement. Through narrative-based strategies, educators can elevate formative and summative assessments, promoting authentic, competency-based learning; meaningful growth; and deeper connections to critical competencies, as well as cultural archetypes. This guide helps educators reimagine assessment in diverse, student-centered classrooms.
Benefits
- Revitalize assessment to encourage students’ growth as critical, creative thinkers
- Elevate student engagement through creative responses and personal reflections
- Employ elements of narrative structure to explore and hone student competencies
- Cultivate student agency and innovation in contemplating and expressing knowledge
- Create opportunities for students to find personal meaning in their learning experiences
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Part 1: Looking Back to Look Forward
Chapter 1: Humanity Through Story
Chapter 2: Essential Assessment Through Story
Chapter 3: Critical Competencies Through Story
Part 2: Learning Through Story
Chapter 4: Conflict Through Story
Chapter 5: Harmony Through Story
Chapter 6: Reflection Through Story
Chapter 7: Perspective Through Story
Chapter 8: Imagination Through Story
Chapter 9: Craft Through Story
Epilogue
PRINTABLE REPRODUCIBLES
Chapter 1: Humanity Through Story
Chapter 2: Essential Assessment Through Story
Chapter 3: Critical Competencies Through Story
- Single-Point Rubric for Creative Thinking (Elementary School)
- Single-Point Rubric for Creative Thinking (Secondary School)
- Chapter 3 Discussion Questions for Learning Teams
Chapter 4: Conflict Through Story
- An Exit Ticket for Reflecting on Conflict Resolution
- Graphic Organizer for Resolving Conflict and Seeking Help
- Chapter 4 Discussion Questions for Learning Teams
Chapter 5: Harmony Through Story
- Graphic Organizer Using the Kishōtenketsu Story Structure to Tell the Story of a Collaborative Endeavor
- Graphic Organizer to Support Peer Dialogue Around the Sailboat Metaphor
- Chapter 5 Discussion Questions for Learning Teams
Chapter 6: Reflection Through Story
- Examples of Loose and Tight Prompts
- Reflection Planning Activity to Prepare for Defense of Learning
- Grading Conference Preparation Form
- Chapter 6 Discussion Questions for Learning Teams
Chapter 7: Perspective Through Story
Chapter 8: Imagination Through Story
- Aspects of Self-Regulated Learning to Scaffold Student Goal Setting
- A Single-Point Rubric for Two Phases of the Creative Process With Possible Student Responses
- Chapter 8 Discussion Questions for Learning Teams
Chapter 9: Craft Through Story
- Questions to Guide the Verification and Implementation Phases of the Creative Process
- A Sample Feedback Checklist Co-Created Between Teacher and Students
- Chapter 9 Discussion Questions for Learning Teams
Epilogue
SUGGESTED RESOURCES
Books
- Almeida, L. (2007). The journey toward effective assessment for English language learners. In D. B. Reeves (Ed.), Ahead of the curve: The power of assessment to transform teaching and learning (pp. 147–163). Solution Tree Press.
- Bellanca, J. A., Fogarty, R. J., & Pete, B. M. (2012). How to teach thinking skills within the Common Core: 7 key student proficiencies of the new national standards. Solution Tree Press.
- Erkens, C., Schimmer, T., & Dimich, N. (2017). Essential assessment: Six tenets for bringing hope, efficacy, and achievement to the classroom. Solution Tree Press.
- Erkens, C., Schimmer, T., & Dimich, N. (2019). Growing tomorrow’s citizens in today’s classrooms: Assessing 7 critical competencies. Solution Tree Press.
- Nottingham, J. (2024). Teach brilliantly: Small shifts that lead to big gains in student learning. Solution Tree Press.
- White, K. (2021). Student self-assessment: Data notebooks, portfolios, and other tools to advance learning. Solution Tree Press.
- Wiliam, D. (2011). Embedded formative assessment. Solution Tree Press.
- Zhao, Y. (2016). The danger of misguided outcomes: Lessons from Easter Island. In Y. Zhao (Ed.), Counting what counts: Reframing education outcomes (pp. 1–10). Solution Tree Press.
Websites
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 6
Chapter 9
