In this series of self-directed and facilitated virtual sessions, you will learn how to use a variety of assessments and the principles of backward design in both remote and in-person ESOL classes.
- ESOL teachers who wish to strengthen their ability to use different types of assessment and backward design to improve student learning outcomes in both remote and in-person classes
This professional development activity/course is designed for:
Assessment is an essential element of effective instruction. In this hands-on workshop, you will explore the purpose, benefits, and application of a variety of assessments: needs assessments, student self-assessments, and formative and summative assessments. Presenters will model these assessments throughout the course, and you will have opportunities to apply them. You will use the principles of backward design to identify learning outcomes, define effective assessment strategies, and build a learning plan that will guide learners to successful achievement of the targeted objectives.
- Part 1: Independent Activities in Canvas (2/16 - 2/22/2026)
- Part 2: Virtual Session on Zoom (2/23/2026, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.)
- Part 3: Independent Activities on Canvas (2/23 - 3/1/2026)
- Part 4: Virtual Session on Zoom (3/2/2026, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.)
- Part 5: Independent Activities in Canvas (3/2 - 3/8/2026)
- Part 6: Virtual Session on Zoom (3/9/2026, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.)
Total PD Hours: 10.5
PLEASE NOTE:
- If you are interested in this topic, but are unable to attend all of the sessions as outlined here, please see our resource collection on the SABES website at: https://www.sabes.org/pd-team/esol
- Before the course opens, registrants will receive a separate email with instructions on how to access the synchronous sessions via Zoom. If you do not receive these instructions, please check your Spam folder and/or email nruskin@edc.org.
- Use needs assessments to customize instruction for your students
- Apply backward design principles to align assessments to instructional goals
- Use summative assessments to evaluate learning at the end of a unit
- Provide meaningful feedback and opportunities for learner engagement in assessment activities
- Use formative assessments to gauge student learning and inform instruction
Upon completion of this professional development activity/course, you will be able to:
Participants should have the ability to participate in Zoom virtual sessions.
United States
