Assessments play an important role in a child’s education, helping both educators and parents gauge a student’s progress and identify areas for development. However, understanding these assessments can sometimes be challenging for parents. Schools have a significant role to play in bridging this gap by engaging and actively supporting parents in understanding the purpose, types, and results of assessments.
In this article, we will explore ways schools can empower parents to better understand assessments and become valuable partners in their children’s education.
The landscape
We cannot underestimate the influence parents and carers have upon their children’s educational journey. Therefore, it is important for schools to communicate their assessment strategies, and the reasons they are used, right from the outset. This allows parents to have a better contextual understanding and perspective of where their child is at. Once parents understand the role they can play in helping their children achieve success, they usually delight in being able to be part of the process. In fact, research suggests that one of the most pivotal factors in the success of assessment for learning is regular and open dialogue with parents.
Communication is Key
One of the fundamental ways schools can support parents in understanding assessments is through clear and consistent communication. Schools should provide parents with information on the purpose and objectives of assessments, including what specific skills and knowledge they aim to measure. Regular newsletters, parent-teacher conferences, and workshops are effective channels for conveying this information. Additionally, schools can offer online resources and guides for parents to reference at their convenience.
Demystify Assessment Jargon
Assessment terminology can be overwhelming for parents. Schools should strive to demystify assessment jargon by providing clear explanations of terms such as formative, summative, norm-referenced, and criterion-referenced assessments. Providing examples and illustrating how these assessments are used in the classroom can make these concepts more accessible to parents.
Individualised Feedback
Parents value feedback on their child’s academic progress. Schools can support parents by providing personalised assessment results and explaining what the scores mean. Teachers can discuss a student’s strengths, areas for improvement, and strategies for supporting their child’s learning at home. Personalised feedback can help parents feel more engaged and invested in their child’s education. Every child is different and framing assessment in this personal manner can only be beneficial for all involved.
Parent Workshops and Training
Organising workshops and training sessions specifically focused on assessments can be incredibly beneficial. These sessions can cover various topics, such as how assessments are conducted, the importance of standardised tests, and how parents can support their child’s learning journey at home. Encouraging parents to ask questions and engage in discussions can foster a more comprehensive understanding of assessments.
Transparent Assessment Policies
Schools should have transparent assessment policies in place that detail the types of assessments used, their frequency, and the grading criteria. When parents understand the assessment process, they can better align their expectations with the school’s goals. Transparency also helps parents know when to expect assessment results and what actions they can take in response to the findings.
Encourage Collaboration
Schools can promote collaboration between teachers and parents to enhance assessment understanding. Teachers can involve parents in setting goals for their child’s academic progress and regularly share progress updates. Encouraging parents to participate in their child’s learning journey fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for the student’s success.
Use Technology Wisely
Leveraging technology can make it easier for parents to access assessment information. Schools can create online portals or apps where parents can check their child’s assessment results, attendance records, and academic reports. These platforms should be user-friendly and provide clear explanations of assessment scores and progress.
Assessment Glossary
- Assessment for learning – any assessment activity that guides further learning
- Formative assessment – assessment activities that show teachers what pupils have already learned and help teachers decide what to teach next
- Summative assessment – a type of assessment used at the end of a topic to show what pupils have learned
- Raw score – the actual mark or score obtained in a test
- Standardised score – a score that is converted onto a common scale so that the achievement of pupils can be compared directly
- Success criteria – the evidence a teacher looks for when deciding whether a pupil has successfully learned something
There are others but those are some of the most common, often misunderstood terms.
In The Background
In related news, the Irish Education Minister, Norma Foley, has asked for a report into the impact of AI on teacher-based assessment. With drastic changes in the digital space born out of the introduction of generative AI, Foley wants to explore the positive and negative effects this might have on the educational landscape, with specific focus on assessment in schools. “I am particularly conscious of the more recent accelerated evolution and growth in generative AI, and I understand there is a need to explore the opportunities afforded by these developments in an educational context, as well as the challenges they might present,” said Foley.
The Danish Tip
Parent-teacher associations are common in Danish schools and are instrumental in involving parents in the educational process. PTAs organise events, workshops, and seminars that enable parents to connect with teachers, share experiences, and discuss educational matters. These associations foster a sense of community and ensure that parents have a platform to voice their opinions and concerns.
Conclusion
In a child’s educational journey, parents are essential partners. Schools have a responsibility to ensure that parents are well-informed about assessments and their significance. By establishing open lines of communication, simplifying assessment terminology, offering personalised feedback, and providing opportunities for parental involvement, schools can empower parents to actively support their children’s academic growth. When parents and educators work together to understand and interpret assessment data, students benefit from a holistic and supportive educational experience.
Educater’s Offering
Our Report Writer is a web-based module that helps teachers streamline the workload of writing reports to parents. It integrates with our Assessment Tracker, so teachers can easily access pupil and assessment data. With Report Writer, schools can share personalised pupil reports to parents with valuable insights into their child’s academic progress.
About the author
Andrew Timbrell
Andrew Timbrell is a primary teacher and freelancer writer with over a decade of classroom experience, passionate about teacher well-being and personal development. Alongside his teaching and subject lead roles, he has been a part of senior leadership and is acutely aware of the wider, holistic view of education.
