Educational assessment at Vesturbæjarskóli
Assessing student competence and progress is a routine part of school operations and is inseparable from learning and teaching. The primary purpose of educational assessment is to guide students in their learning and help them achieve their goals. Educational assessment tracks how well students meet the general competence standards of the national curriculum, fosters motivation to learn, encourages progress, and identifies those who need support. The process should also give students, parents, and teachers information about learning progress, competences, work habits, and development—all of which can serve as a guiding principle for further curriculum planning.
Purpose of educational assessment
The main purpose of educational assessment is to gather information about students' academic standing. This confirms whether students have gained the knowledge, skills and abilities contained in the learning objectives being worked toward at any given time. Educational assessment provides information about students' academic standing at the specific time when the information is gathered. When information from the educational assessment is used in a targeted way, we can improve teaching and instructional methods to support student achievement and enhance cooperation and communication between families and schools.
Diverse educational assessment
We use diverse assessment methods to systematically track every child's progress through formative assessment based on specific goals and performance standards. Examples of formative assessment methods include discussions, group work, concept maps, interviews, journals, KWL charts, goal setting, self-evaluation, peer assessment, review cards, presentations, portfolios, quizzes, creative projects, student work samples, oral assignments, and checklists.
Assessments in Mentor
Assessments are regularly recorded throughout the school year in each student's competence profile on Mentor. Each competence profile includes the national curriculum competency standards that serve as the basis for assessments. The planning for each academic term is outlined in the curriculum plans. At the start of each academic term, teachers plan which assessment criteria will be evaluated when the term ends.
Assessment scales
The rubrics use symbols to show how well students have mastered specific knowledge, skills, understanding and abilities.
Exemplary: The student demonstrates deep understanding and applies their knowledge in varied and creative ways. They work with accuracy, independence, and initiative. The student has met all goals and even exceeds expectations.
Proficient: The student has met the targeted goals and competencies. Their work and performance show a clear understanding of the subject and an ability to apply knowledge and skills appropriately for their age and expectations.
On track: The student is developing understanding and skills. Confidence or depth of knowledge still needs work. They are working toward the goals and, with continued support and practice, are likely to reach proficiency.
Needs practice: The student has not yet developed adequate understanding or skills in the subject and has difficulty applying what they have learned. They need more time, practice, and targeted support to develop the necessary competencies.
Important factors
Important factors have a long history at Vesturbæjarskóli and describe key competencies in the National Curriculum. Important factors are assessed in connection with any subject or theme throughout the school year.
At the end of the school year, children receive important factors and an official statement from teachers.
Children's sample folders
Children create samples two to three times a year, which teachers use to assist with educational assessment.
The sample folder contains examples of children's work such as story writing and handwriting samples and other projects worth keeping. Children also create a self-portrait at the beginning and end of the school year for the folder.
When children leave the school, they receive the folder at the 7th grade graduation ceremony.