Inside the Black Box – Using Formative Assessments to Move the Needle

In this episode, we dive into the groundbreaking research of Inside the Black Box by Black and William (1998) and explore why improving formative assessments can lead to significant and substantial student growth.

As a math coach, I see firsthand how formative assessment opportunities often go unseized—not out of neglect, but due to the challenges teachers face with time and providing meaningful feedback.

We'll discuss:

• Why knowing whether students are proficient isn’t enough,

• The role of feedback in moving students forward, and

• The importance of building a classroom culture where students can self-assess and chart their own pathway to success.

• 
  

I’ll also share insights from my district’s framework and how it supports teachers in thinking about pathways to proficiency, as well as the challenges of individualized feedback in today’s classrooms.

Join me as we unpack the "sweet spot" of formative assessment—knowledge of the goal, knowledge of current performance, and knowledge of how to close the gap. This episode is packed with practical ideas and strategies to help you enhance your practice.

Ready to dig into what’s happening inside the black box of your classroom?

Tune in now!

Resources Referenced:

• Inside the Black Box by William & Black (1998)

• Visible Learning by John Hattie

• How to Give Effective Feedback to Your Students by Susan Brookhart