Assessment of Understanding
Ā
Assessment is the bridge between teaching and learning, playing a pivotal role in student achievement and progress. It has the greatest impact when it is used purposefully to inform teaching and guide learning. At its core, assessment is based on the belief that all learners can progress.
The primary purpose of assessment is to generate meaningful feedback that improves learning ā€” for both students and teachers. This involves:
- Identifying where learners are at to begin with and any misconceptions
- Clarifying where they need to go by making the learning goals clear and visible
- Determining how to get to the goals, identifying the strategies, support, and next steps needed to progress
When used effectively, assessment is not a separate act but an integral part of the learning process, enabling responsive teaching and empowered learning.
We can work in partnership to address:
- Review school assessment schedule and practices
- Developing strategies and tools to assess understanding
- Developing agreements and guidelines for the assessment of understanding
- How much assessment is necessary and when and how to conduct assessment
- The effective use of assessment information to inform the teaching and the learning
- Review current assessment practices across the school to ensure they are all fit for purpose
- The development of assessment capable learners
- Any other issues relating to assessment of understanding
Planning our package
Together we would plan a package collaboratively considering your schoolā€™s curriculum, what are the important understandings that need to be addressed, and create requirements and guidelines. We would evaluate the on-going success of the process as we move forward.
Some ideas of ways to work together:
- Keynote presentations
- Working with senior leadership to plan the process and create a way forward
- Workshopping with senior leaders, team leaders and/or planning teams
- Teacher Only Day workshops with whole staff
- Staff meetings
- Team planning sessions
- Buy my book
I am writing to offer my wholehearted endorsement of Kate Brown, who has been working with our school to design and implement a high-quality, future-focused conceptual curriculum and assessment plan. Kateā€™s expertise, dedication, and professional integrity have made an exceptional difference to our school community.
Throughout her time with us, Kate has demonstrated outstanding knowledge of curriculum design and assessment for understanding. She skilfully guided our staff through the development of a rich, coherent curriculum that genuinely reflects our vision and values, while ensuring it meets the diverse needs of our learners. Her ability to clarify complex ideas, ask the right questions, and draw out staff insights has helped build genuine ownership and collective capability within our team.
Kateā€™s contribution has extended well beyond curriculum development. She has facilitated workshops, mentored individual staff, and provided invaluable guidance and support to me as principal. Her wisdom, calm presence, and practical advice have strengthened our leadership and organisational systems, ensuring that the positive changes we are making are sustainable and embedded.
Kate is an outstanding facilitator and mentor. She is highly organised, deeply reflective, and brings both warmth and professionalism to every interaction. She has a unique ability to empower others, build trust, and inspire confidence in what is possible.
I have no hesitation in recommending Kate Brown for any role or project that involves educational leadership, curriculum design, facilitation, or strategic development. She would be an asset to any school or organisation fortunate enough to work with her.
Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss Kateā€™s work further.
Colin Hammond
Tumuaki / Principal
Okains Bay School
1163 Okains Bay Road,
Banks Peninsula
My Passion
My passion is to ensure that every student develops understanding of their world and has access to an education of high expectations with the opportunity to succeed at the highest level.Ā My approach is practical, strengths-based, and grounded in the greatest respect for education and teachers at all levels. Ā I have a deep belief that every learner has the potential to succeed and that by elevating leadership and curriculum, we create the conditions for that success to flourish.
