Assessment ON and FOR Learning

Terms of reference (ToR) Statement

The training of teachers and Heads of Department in assessment is part of the roll out of the Teacher Development Strategy of the department.

Background to C.L.A.S.S. Consulting

C.L.A.S.S. Consulting is an agency servicing the DBE and provincial Departments of Education. In the course of its operations provides products and services for the DBE to narrow the gap between curriculum policy and practice at schools. These services and products are procured in accordance with DBE procurement policy, framework and PFMA (Public Finance Management Act). C.L.A.S.S. Consulting facilitates the roll out of the Teacher Development Strategy and conducts capacity building programs. One of the programs is on assessment of learning and assessment for learning.

Benefits of the Project

The successful implementation of the Teacher Development Strategy is dependent upon the successful capacity building programs of the teachers is assessment as a tool that can be used for different purposes in the classroom. The program seeks to develop a holistic assessment strategy for schools that is in line with the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). Practical ideas will be provided on the DVD through videos, PowerPoints, rubrics, tools and instructional techniques.

Objective

The main objective is to change assessment practices in the classroom in a manner that will enrich the learning experience and improve results.  The  project  aims  to  capacitate  teachers,  Heads  of  Departments  and  Curriculum Implementers in:

1.   Planning and preparing for assessment (Annual Assessment Plans)

2.   Designing and developing assessment tasks

3.   Conducting assessments

4.   Analysing and reflecting on assessments

5.   Giving feedback to various stakeholders

Scope of Project

The programme must:

  • Conduct a needs analysis to determine assessment practices at school
  • Benchmark best assessment practices
  • Design assessment materials based on CAPS
  • Develop a tool for teachers and Head of Departments to determine their assessment gaps
  • Design tools and templates for teachers and Heads of Departments to manage assessment
  • Develop and implement a differentiated approach to train teachers in assessment across the four phases
  • Develop  and  implement  a  differentiated  approach  to  train   Heads  of  Department  in managing assessment
  • Provide coaching and mentoring support to Curriculum Implementers in assessment so they can support and train schools.
  • Provide on-site support for the trainees.

Methodology

C.L.A.S.S. Consulting will not dictate a particular methodology. Whatever approach is used must consist of various strategies that also exploit the technological platforms available to allow for large scale application. Most importantly the focus should be on “transference of skills” to the client base to avoid dysfunctional rescuing where the client remains dependent on the service provider.

Competencies and expertise

  • Accreditation in assessment that is specially tailored for schools.
  • Understanding of the education sector, especially in the area of assessment.
  • Extensive experience in teacher training and leadership development.
  • Creative and innovative skills to bring the message innovative ways to reach to a large group of trainees in a cost effective manner.
  • Material development capacity to address specific needs of the schools.
  • Technological insight into what is possible in the schools.
  • Infrastructure and human resources to deliver on the project.

Outputs and Deliverables

C.L.A.S.S. Consulting will deliver:

  • A research report on:
  • assessment practices in schools
  • best practice in assessment internationally and nationally
  • CAPS implications for schools in relation to assessment
    • Specially designed training materials, tools and templates that will be used by the department even after the project has been concluded.
    • Accredited training to teachers, Heads of Department and Curriculum Implementers
    • Onsite support to all trainees

Cost includes

Accreditation including a full turnkey solution for the Department of Education which includes printing of materials, DVD’s, videos and PowerPoints, training and coaching of Curriculum Implementers and monitoring and support of roll-out.