This assessment model has brought many rewards to both my students and me during the years that I've been using it. Here's a list of some of the most prominent advantages. Students are achieving district benchmarks and curriculum objectives because Performance Monitors and Activities Lists are based on these concepts. Various learning capabilities are accommodated by students' working at their own paces. All learners learn the essential concepts. Learners with greater interest and/or ability have the opportunity to strive. Learners who need more time have it. Various learning styles are accommodated by students' choosing their own ways to achieve each outcome. Students understand that they are responsible for their own learning and grades through the use of Performance Monitors and Quality Guides. Students utilize more class time because they always know exactly what is expected of them. They generally don't need to ask questions before getting to work. Quality Guides require students to evaluate themselves before turning in an assignment. This forces them to check their work, which in turn produces more quality work. Students always know what they are doing and why. Various teaching techniques can be incorporated into the model. Make-up work is less of a hassle. Students can see what they missed and take responsibility for getting it. Students get immediate feedback since grading can be done regularly. This regular grading is made possible because all planning is done before the unit begins. Special Educators can easily follow the unit, modify assignments, and see what work has been done. Special Educators have access to all assignments and activities in the filing cabinet. Any subject can be incorporated into this model. Parents can monitor student progress and see what has been done or what needs to be done. During my development of this model, I've also encountered some disadvantages, but only one has been "non-fixable." That is the obvious fact that there is quite a lot of initial planning. However, this disadvantage is balanced by the fact that all of the planning is completed before I begin teaching each unit. I've found extreme satisfaction in not having to plan every night or weekend and instead dedicating that time to the assessment of my students' learning. Of course, as teachers we know that ideas surface and we change our direction periodically (by adding and deleting activities, concepts, etc.). Within the structure of this model, I always allow myself the flexibility to act on my instincts, even if this involves revising my initial plan. You can benefit from some of the planning I've already done by trying out the units I've developed for my own classes. Click to see a Sample Unit available online. Small Planet Home Page Copyright © 2000 Small Planet Communications, Inc. 15 Union Street Lawrence, MA 01840 (978) 794-2201 planet@smplanet.com