Surry County Schools/Submitted Photo

Dobson Elementary School teachers and administrators recently shared techniques for measuring success in the classroom with educators from across the state. Pictured, from left, are Assistant Superintendent Pat Widdowson, teacher Lori Beasely, teacher Nicole Hazelwood, State Director of Learning Systems Dr. Sarah McManus, Principal Jan Varney, Director of Professional Development Jennifer Scott and Director of Federal Programs Brenda Whitaker.

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Teachers and administrators from Dobson Elementary School were recently invited to make a presentation to educators from across North Carolina at the 2012 Collaborative Conference for Student Achievement.

Teachers Nicole Hazelwood and Lori Beasley and Principal Jan Varney used the opportunity to demonstrate how formative assessment can be used to “help students take ownership of their learning.”

Hazelwood and Beasley shared their experiences gleaned in the classroom to give examples of how to effectively implement the formative assessment process. Varney told the group of educators that principals need to monitor what is happening in the classroom to ensure that everyone is working together to make the school a success.

Formative assessment is the process used by both teachers and students to provide feedback and adjust the learning process to improve students’ achievement in the classroom.

Jennifer Scott, director of professional development and communications for the county school system, said that the process is much simpler than it sounds.

“Formative assessment is a process rather than a product,” she said. “It is used during instruction rather than at the end of instruction. It involves teachers, but more importantly, it involves students.”

During the Greensboro visit, the county’s school district also provided a display of model formative assessments from schools throughout the district, and Assistant Superintendent Pat Widdowson instructed the group on the implementation of the process and how it could help teachers and students during the transition to next year’s Common Core/Essential Standards curriculum.

Widdowson said any chance to collaborate with other school districts in the state can only benefit the local schools.

“Sharing successes and networking with educators across the state strengthens our local school district,” she said. “We are proud of the work our educators do daily with students in the Surry County School District, as they are considered leaders in education in North Carolina.”

Reach Keith Strange at kstrange@heartlandpublications.com or 719-1929.