THE NOVELS IN VERSE COLLECTION: Assessments [S7 EP. 247]

Listen to the full episode below:

Assessments don’t have to be boring, stressful, or one-size-fits-all - and in this episode, we’re proving why! As we wrap up our Novels in Verse series, we’re diving into fresh, creative ways to assess student learning that go beyond the standard essay. Whether you love assessments or dread them, this conversation will challenge the way you think about measuring student growth.

We’re breaking down the balance between formative and summative assessments and sharing how small, intentional check-ins (like Sesame Street quizzes!) can build toward deeper, more meaningful final projects. You’ll hear how centering an essential question, like Which is more important, knowing your story or telling it?, can guide students through analysis, creativity, and self-expression. Plus, we’ll walk you through summative assessment options that allow students to showcase their understanding in a way that works best for them.

And if you’re looking for a quick, skills-focused assessment that doesn’t take hours to prep or grade, we’ve got you covered with a strategy that simplifies everything. we’re even sharing ways to mix and match different assessment types so you can create the perfect approach for your classroom. Trust us, if assessments have ever felt like a headache, this episode will leave you feeling ready to try something new!

Topics Discussed:

  • Why assessments don’t have to be overwhelming and how they can be used as a tool for understanding student growth rather than just grading.

  • How small check-ins like "Sesame Street quizzes" and "paragraph chunk quizzes" help scaffold learning and prepare students for bigger assessments.

  • Exploring the choice between a traditional written response to an essential question or a creative project with a critical reflection component.

  • How timed writing assessments provide a quick, skills-focused way to measure student understanding while reducing grading time.

  • Tips for mixing and matching different assessment types to meet the needs of diverse learners and classroom dynamics.

More Resources:

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More about Brave New Teaching:

Join hosts Amanda Cardenas (Mud & Ink Teaching) and Marie Morris (The Caffeinated Classroom) in discussions about being brave, trying new things, and all things teaching! As seasoned classroom teachers, Amanda and Marie bring their experience, insight, energy, and oh, so many opinions and ideas... It's time for all teachers to take their classroom and teaching practice into their own hands!

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