| Programs 1.
Introduction: The short introductory acquaints viewers with the library and
its components. 2. Case Study: Animals in Yellowstone
(Elementary) - A fourth- and fifth-grade class uses a field trip to Yellowstone
National Park to practice estimation skills and develop an understanding of large
numbers. Student groups must agree on a reasonable estimate of the numbers of
bison, elk, or pronghorn sheep that live in the park. Their teacher uses various
methods to assess their reasoning skills and level of understanding. 3.
Case Study: Problem Solvers Fall and Spring (Elementary). Visit a combined
first and second grade classroom in the fall and the following spring. A fall
lesson has the entire class working in groups to estimate the number of seeds
in a pumpkin. The following spring student groups solve individual problems, and
then write problems of their own creation using informal language to describe
mathematical situations. 4. Teacher Insights K-4 (Elementary)
- Six elementary school teachers explain the variety of assessment techniques
they use. Consulting educators examine the teachers’ comments and strategies
within the context of the NCTM Assessment Standards. (8:00) 5.
Case Study: Fraction Tracks (Middle School) - Students play the Fraction Tracks
game, which requires them to move pieces along number lines on a game board to
get from zero to one. The teacher assesses their knowledge of equivalent fractions
as they play. Beyond Testing - Teachers, administrators, parents and policy makers
discuss some of the issues related to new types of assessment, such as finding
time to plan; efficient ways to gather, record and analyze daily observations;
learning to use tools such as portfolios and rubrics; and gaining support from
administrators. The video provides background information on assessment issues
and some questions for further discussion. (20:00) 6.
Case Study: Building Rafts With Rods (Middle School) - Seventh- and eighth-grade
students are challenged to calculate the surface area and volume of a raft built
with 1 to 10 rods, graph their data, develop a formula for the task, and write
a question that will explain the task to subsequent classes. The activity helps
their teacher assess their ability to recognize patterns and develop functions.
7. Teacher Insights 5-8 (Middle School) - Seven
middle school teachers explain their uses of assessment in their classrooms. Two
guest commentators underscore the learning opportunities presented by various
assessments. (16:00) 8. Case Study: Ferris Wheel
(High School) - High school math students must develop a function which describes
the position of a rider on a double Ferris wheel. The previous assignment asked
for a similar function, but for a single Ferris wheel. Their teacher moves about
the room listening as groups discuss how to set up the problem and asks carefully
framed questions to make sure they’re on the right track. 9.
Case Study: Group Test (High School) - A high school teacher presents a four-problem
semester review test on the uses of functions in mathematical modeling. Students
work in groups to complete the test using graphing calculators, resource sheets,
and group discussion to find the solutions. This approach allows the teacher to
give his students more challenge questions and assess their ability to work collaboratively. 10.
Teacher Insights 9-12 (High School) - Seven high school teachers discuss their
methods for assessing student learning, and encouraging students’ self-assessment.
Guest commentators offer additional comments on individual teachers remarks as
well as on a group discussion of teachers. (25:40) 11.
Beyond Testing - Teachers, administrators, parents and policymakers
discuss
some of the issues related to new types of assessment, such as finding time to
plan; efficient ways to gather, record and analyze daily observations; learning
to use tools such as portfolios and rubrics; and gaining support from administrators.
The video provides background information on assessment issues and some questions
for further discussion. | 
