Is our assessment and grading system aligned with how we teach? We’re opening the episode with this important question.

Join me in this conversation with Michelle Olah while we discuss aligning grading practices with actual language proficiency. We discuss the disconnect between traditional grading systems and what we do in class, discussing the need for a shift towards proficiency-based assessments.

We also explore the implications of such a shift, including the philosophical and logistical changes required to implement grading practices that genuinely reflect students' abilities to communicate and understand the language.

Throughout the discussion, we provide insights into transitioning from a traditional grading system, which often emphasizes rote memorization and penalizes mistakes, to a more dynamic, proficiency-based approach that celebrates communicative competence and real-world language use. The episode also highlights practical strategies for developing rubrics aligned with proficiency standards, engaging with students and parents about the changes, and ensuring grading practices promote equity and motivation.

Key Highlights:

• Understanding Proficiency-Based Grading.
• Practical Tips on Implementing Changes.
• Rubrics
• Reflections on Equity in Grading.

Resources Mentioned:

• ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines
• Claudia's community on Facebook: Growing with CI
• Follow Claudia on Instagram: @ClaudiaMElliott
• Follow Michelle on Instagram: @WorldLangCoach
• Comprehensible & Communicative Langauge Teaching Teacher Guide
• Waitlist GWP The Spanish Teacher Academy
• Growing with Proficiency Blog

Bio:

Michelle Olah is a world language leader, podcaster, facilitator, and instructional coach. As the Professional Development Manager at Wayside Publishing, she empowers World Language educators by providing coaching and professional development in proficiency-based teaching. With over 17 years of experience, Michelle has conducted workshops on standards-based instruction, ACTFL's core practices, leadership, target language use, assessment and more. Michelle is also a dedicated advocate for early language learners, serving as Past President and board member of NNELL (National Network for Early Language Learning), collaborating to support language educators and students. Michelle's mission is to equip educators with the tools for engaging, effective, and meaningful language learning experiences.

Brace yourself for an authentic exploration of assessments in the world language classroom. In this episode, I share personal struggles and transformative insights that reframe how we assess language learning. Discover strategies that emphasize growth and celebrate student progress.

Highlights:

• Reflecting on personal challenges with traditional assessment methods.
• Examining the focus of our assessments: from knowledge to functional use.
• Understanding the purpose behind our assessments.
• Interpreting what assessment results truly mean for educators and students.
• A Celebratory Approach to Assessment
  • Implementing effective and efficient assessment methods that highlight student progress.
  • Strategies for Implementing Celebratory Assessments
  • Introducing practical, station-based activities that assess various language skills.
  • Encouraging creativity and interaction through diverse classroom tasks.

Resources and Links Mentioned:

ACTFL Performance Descriptors

Unlock the Magic of Stations

Make Free Voluntary Reading Work With AC Quintero

How To Transform Administrator Observations into Celebrations of Our Teaching Practices with Dr. Pablo Martinez

Teacher Guide: How to Shift to A Comprehensible and Communicative Teaching Approach

Free stories for Spanish teachers

Growing With Proficiency The Blog

Growing With Proficiency The Spanish Teacher Academy Waitlist

Growing With Proficiency TPT Store

Free FB Community: Growing With CI

Claudia @‌IG

¿Te perdiste la conferencia de CI Mitten? No te preocupes, en este episodio te traemos un cargamento de actividades y estrategias que Nelly Andrade, Dahiana Castro y yo descubrimos y exploramos durante el evento. Desde herramientas interactivas como Flippity, hasta técnicas para crear historias con tus estudiantes, pasando por métodos innovadores para evaluar oralmente y divertidos juegos para dinamizar tus clases, hoy te compartimos una abundancia de recursos útiles.

Te invitamos a escuchar este episodio para conocer estas ideas y reflexionar sobre cómo podrías adaptarlas a tu entorno educativo. Además, nos encantaría que compartieras con nosotros cómo te fue al implementar estas estrategias en tus clases.

Este episodio es ideal para que te relajes y disfrutes de tu bebida favorita, mientras sientes que estás en una amena reunión con colegas.

¡Dale play y sumérgete en un mundo de aprendizaje y diversión!

Recursos de este episodio:

Flippity

Blog post de la Sra. Chase

Blog de Dahiana Castro

Movie Talk by Dr. Ashley Hastings

Teacher Guide: How to Shift to A Comprehensible and Communicative Teaching Approach

Growing With Proficiency The Blog

Growing With Proficiency The Spanish Teacher Academy Waitlist

Growing With Proficiency TPT Store

Free FB Community: Growing With CI

Claudia @‌IG