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Welcome to EPRS 7920, Classroom Testing, Grading, and Assessment. In the course, you will consider the impact of formative assessment practices on student achievement. You will also look at the role and purpose of classroom testing and standardized testing. You will learn some techniques to help insure that your classroom tests are well aligned with learning standards. You will explore the impact of standardized testing in public education. Finally, you will consider a student-focused approach to grading that supports student learning. Throughout the course, you will be asked to reflect upon your current classroom practices as related to assessment, testing, and grading. The goal of this course is to help you understand how assessment, testing, and grading are integrated to create a comprehensive assessment system that supports student learning.

The grading scale in this course is 1-4. A 4 indicates that you completed all aspects of the assignment, showing an indepth understanding of the topic. A 3 indicates that you completed all aspects of the assignment, showing a proficient understanding of the topic. A 2 indicates that you did not include all aspects of the assignment, or that you did not adequately justify your classroom practice, indicating a lack of understanding. A 1 indicates that you left out major components of the assignment and you did not justify your classroom practice. The final grade for the course is determined by mode. If your grades consist mostly of 4's, you will earn an A. A preponderance of 3's earns a B. If you have mostly 2's, you will earn a C. If most of your grades are 1's, you will fail the course. You must get a 3 or better on the final paper to enhance or maintain your final grade; receiving a grade below a 3 will negatively impact the final grade.

Grades earned in this course come from posting responses to discussion topics and from written assignments. It's important that you post a response each discussion topic. Your postings show me see that you are completing the reading assignments and that you understand the material. Don't worry about spelling or perfect grammar; instead, focus on getting your thoughts posted. I will track your participation on each discussion topic. At the end of the semester, the grade for posting responses will be based on how many discussion topics you responded to. Completing all the postings is an easy way to earn a 4.

The written assignments are related to major topics we cover - assesment, testing, and grading. For the final exam, you will write a formal paper in which you must show your understanding of how assessment, testing, and grading are integrated to create a comprehensive assessment system that supports student learning.

If you receive a grade of 2 or 1, you will be given the opportunity to redo the assignment for a higher grade. The new grade will replace the lower grade. The only exception to this is the final exam. There will be no redo opportunities on the final paper.

We will not meet on campus this semester. All assignments will be submitted through email. I prefer that you send assignments to my personal email, jajturner@gmail.com. It is important to meet deadlines. If life throws you a curve ball that prevents you from meeting a deadline, please contact me. An example of a curve ball is taking care of a loved one who is going through chemotherapy. An example of what is not a curve ball is planning a wedding in the middle of the semester; you chose the date!

Here is some information regarding me. I have been involved in public education for the past 25 years. My experiences include teaching middle school and high school science, high school and elementary school administration, and working at the district office as the system testing coordinator. I currently work as an elementary school principal in Fayette County, Georgia. I earned my doctorate degree in Educational Policy Studies in 2003 from Georgia State University. I have been teaching this course since 2008. Please feel free to contact me at jajturner@gmail.com or by phone, 678-361-7683, whenever you need help with an assignment.

I look forward to teaching you this semester. Please click on August 26 to access the course syllabus.