When Professional Judgement Meets Diagnostic Assessments: A Quick Guide for Teachers
Teaching is part art, part science, and all about decisions - lots and lots of decisions. Your professional judgement is the secret compass that helps navigate the sea of assessments, ensuring each choice supports student learning effectively. Luckily, the rules for using this compass are clearly laid out in Growing Success, PPM 155, and the ETFO Collective Agreement, C2.5.
PPM 155 reminds us that diagnostic assessments are tools - not mandates that limit your creativity. Boards provide teachers with a pre-approved list of assessments aligned with the Board Improvement Plan for student achievement. Your professional judgement is what decides which tool, for which student(s), and at what frequency and timing. In short: the Board supplies the ingredients, you decide how to cook.
Key Points to Remember:
- Mandatory Use: Teachers are required to use diagnostic assessments in accordance with PPM 155 during the school year.
- No Teacher Evaluation: Assessment results are for instructional purposes only; they cannot be used to evaluate, discipline, or terminate a teacher.
- Board’s List: While the Board is currently reviewing its pre-approved assessment list, (see below for the list from 2024)
- No Extra Assignments: Teachers cannot be directed to administer diagnostic assessments beyond the pre-approved list.
- Teacher Choice: Beyond the Board list, you can, and do, use a variety of diagnostic tools to inform instruction. We are professionals and know that assessments drive instruction.
- Documentation: You should be prepared to provide evidence of your diagnostic assessment practices. Documentation may include pre-tests, observations, rubrics, checklists, student self-reflections, or running records. This documentation can be for individual students or small groups
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Super Quick Summary:
- The Board develops a pre-approved list of diagnostic tools.
- Teachers choose the type, timing, and frequency.
- Principals may request the results - teachers provide them on a timeline of their choosing.
In short, professional judgement isn’t just a buzzword; it’s your superpower in navigating assessments while keeping instruction personalized, purposeful, and (dare we say) slightly fun.
For any questions, concerns, or simply a friendly chat, the Local ETFO Office is only a phone call away at 519-474-3150 or an email to etfothamesvalley.com - we’re here to help.
Your Released Team
ETFO Thames Valley Teacher Local