Fair isn't Always Equal Chapter 4

This chapter discusses the three different types of assessments. These are: portfolios, rubrics, and self-assessments. A portfolio is a collection of completed student work over a period of time. This allows the student to reflect on their work and progress. Portfolios are also extremely flexible and can be used in every subject and they allow students to develop organizational skills. The second assessment is a rubric. These are a very powerful tool that allow teachers to address areas of achievement. Rubrics can be analytical, which means the address specific skills within the larger topic, or holistic, which means it evaluates assignment as a whole. A rubric also lays out what is to be expected of the students and shows the requirements they are suppose to meet before hand. The last type of assessment are self-assessments. These are used so the students can evaluate their own work. It is important to let the students think back on what they did. A self-assessment also gives feedback to the teacher.

Most people favored using a portfolio or a rubric. Many favored the portfolio because it shows the progress of a student. It also allows the student to look back and reflect. This chapter also outlined how to make a good rubric which many people found helpful. They did not realize that creating a rubric could be so complicated. Rubrics were also favored because they spell out exactly what is expected and the student will know exactly how they are going to be graded. Many also recognized the importance of self- assessment as well.