The Learning Curve ECSD

In this episode of The Learning Curve ECSD, titled "A School Wide Approach to Assessment," we dive into a transformative learning journey undertaken by a school that has embraced Teacher Clarity, specifically Learning Intentions and Success Criteria, as a school-wide assessment approach.

In Part 1, we begin with the principal, Nicole Thomlinson, who takes us behind the scenes of leading this initiative. Nicole discusses the motivations and vision behind implementing Teacher Clarity school-wide, and how it aligns with the school's commitment to student-centered education.

Throughout this enlightening conversation, Nicole highlights the importance of strong leadership and effective communication in driving change and fostering a collaborative learning culture among staff. She touches upon the strategies employed to engage and support teachers, ensuring that everyone is on board and equipped with the necessary tools to implement Learning Intentions and Success Criteria effectively.

If you're a school leader, educator, or simply interested in transformative assessment practices, this episode provides valuable insights into the process of implementing Teacher Clarity at a school-wide level. Join us for Part 1 of "A School Wide Approach to Assessment" as we explore the challenges, successes, and leadership behind this initiative.

Guests

Nicole Lafrenière, Director of Curriculum & Assessment

Nicole Thomlison, Principal

Tim Cusack, Deputy Superintendent

Host

Julia McLeod, Assessment & Reporting Consultant

Alyson Gabucci, Assessment & Reporting Consultant

Music by Conor McLeod

In Part 2 of "A School Wide Approach to Assessment" on The Learning Curve ECSD podcast, we continue our exploration of Teacher Clarity, specifically Learning Intentions and Success Criteria, with a focus on the impact it has had on classroom practice and student growth. In this episode, we hear from a dedicated grade 6 teacher, Maria Gresik who shares her personal journey and the transformation she has witnessed in her students.

Maria opens up about how her teaching practice has evolved since implementing Teacher Clarity in her classroom. She reflects on the initial challenges she faced and the adjustments she made to align her instructional strategies with clear Learning Intentions and Success Criteria. She also shares the specific techniques she used to effectively communicate these goals to her students, fostering a deeper understanding of the learning process and empowering them to take ownership of their education.

Through heartfelt anecdotes and concrete examples, Maria describes the remarkable growth she has witnessed in her students as a direct result of embracing Teacher Clarity. She highlights the positive changes in student engagement, motivation, and overall academic performance. The episode delves into the role of formative assessment, feedback, and student reflection in nurturing this growth mindset.

Further Learning 

See Maria in action: 

Guests

Nicole Lafrenière, Director of Curriculum & Assessment

Maria Gresik, Elementary Teacher

Tim Cusack, Deputy Superintendent

Host

Julia McLeod, Assessment & Reporting Consultant

Alyson Gabucci, Assessment & Reporting Consultant

Music by Conor McLeod 

In this episode of The Learning Curve, junior high teacher Angelica Tan shares her personal and professional experience with language learning. She discusses how to use learning intentions and success criteria in the classroom to provide clarity on what students need to learn, why they are learning it, and how they can achieve their learning goals. 

In her interview, Angelica emphasizes co-constructing success criteria, communication with students and families, and timely and specific feedback. The episode provides practical advice for teachers looking to engage in this assessment practice. Whether you're a language teacher or working on Teacher Clarity, this episode is packed with insights to engage students and foster a love of learning.

Guests

Nicole Lafrenière, Director of Curriculum & Assessment

Angelica Tan, Junior High Teacher & EAL Designate

Tim Cusack, Deputy Superintendent

Host

Julia McLeod, Assessment & Reporting Consultant

Music by Conor McLeod

In this episode of The Learning Curve, IB coordinator Meaghan Jenny shares insights on how the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP) approach assessment with students at the forefront.

Meaghan explains how teachers collaborate within the IB framework to provide a student-centered education. The episode highlights various assessment methods used by the IB, such as self-reflection and peer assessment, allowing students to take ownership of their learning. Meaghan emphasizes the importance of meaningful feedback and how the IB encourages students to become global citizens. Whether you're a teacher or parent, this episode is packed with insights on how the IB fosters a love of learning and empowers students to become lifelong learners.

Guests

Nicole Lafrenière, Director of Curriculum & Assessment

Meaghan Jenny, PYP & MYP IB Coordinator

Tim Cusack, Deputy Superintendent

Hosts

Julia McLeod, Assessment & Reporting Consultant

Jennifer Espejo Harasimiuk, Assessment & Reporting Consultant

Music by Conor McLeod

Listeners will learn about the principles of outcomes-based assessment and how they can be applied to religion courses to ensure that students acquire the necessary skills and knowledge. Additionally, the benefits of inquiry-based learning are explored, including how it fosters a more meaningful and personal understanding of religious concepts. This episode is a must-listen for those interested in religion education, providing valuable insights into how religion courses can support students' growth as individuals and their understanding of their place in the world.

Guests

Nicole Lafrenière, Director of Curriculum & Assessment

Susanna Kaup, Secondary Catholic Education Consultant

Tim Cusack, Deputy Superintendent

Hosts

Julia McLeod, Assessment & Reporting Consultant

Jennifer Espejo Harasimiuk, Assessment & Reporting Consultant

Music by Conor McLeod

In this episode of the Learning Curve Podcast, host Julia invites English as an Additional Language consultant Vanessa to discuss the importance of outcomes-based assessment in creating opportunities for language learners to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding, and abilities in relation to the learning outcome.

Vanessa shares her insights on how an outcomes-based approach can promote equity and inclusion in language learning, allowing teachers to tailor their methods to meet the individual needs of learners and create a more inclusive classroom environment.

The episode also features an interview with Stephanie, the Secondary French Language Arts Consultant, who discusses the structure of the French Immersion Program of Study and how outcomes-based planning can support language learning. Stephanie shares her experiences and strategies for designing effective assessments that align with learning outcomes and support student success.

Whether you are an educator, language learner, or someone interested in the topic of language learning, this episode provides valuable insights and practical tips for supporting success for our language learners.

Tune in to learn more about outcomes-based assessment and its role in promoting equitable and inclusive language learning practices.

Guests

Nicole Lafrenière, Director of Curriculum & Assessment

Vanessa Gavin, English as an Additional Language Consultant

Stephanie Winters, Secondary French Language Arts Consultant

Tim Cusack, Deputy Superintendent

Hosts

Julia McLeod, Assessment & Reporting Consultant

Jennifer Espejo Harasimiuk, Assessment & Reporting Consultant

Music by Conor McLeod

On this episode of The Learning Curve, we're joined by Trish, the manager of elementary curriculum. Trish shares with us how the K-12 Guiding Framework of the new Alberta curriculum supports conceptual understanding for all students. She also shares the ways that the ECSD is supporting teachers with resources and professional learning sessions to ensure successful implementation.

Later in the episode, we chat with Karen, an elementary teacher who teaches a combined grade classroom and has experience using the new curriculum. Karen shares with us her experiences working with the resources provided by the ECSD and how they have supported her in effectively teaching the new curriculum to her students.

Whether you're an teacher, principal, or simply interested in education this episode is packed with insights into the new Alberta curriculum and the ways in which it is being implemented in classrooms. Tune in to learn from Trish and Karen's experiences!

Instagram @ecsdlearning

Further Learning

Public Sharing Site:⁠ curriculum.ecsd.net

Curriculum Crate Gr 2 Cross-Curricular: ⁠https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HyrnQ1YRF2MbKtvg3A6-Dh3UL6OvlQJV6EgTBtO5PE8/edit?usp=sharing

Guests

Nicole Lafrenière, Director of Curriculum & Assessment

Trish Roffey, Manager of Elementary Curriculum

Karen Baniak, Elementary Teacher

Tim Cusack, Deputy Superintendent

Hosts

Julia McLeod, Assessment & Reporting Consultant

Jennifer Espejo Harasimiuk, Assessment & Reporting Consultant

Music by Conor McLeod

In this episode, we dive into the topic of equity in grading and assessment practices. Despite the inherent contradictions in the word "assessment," we explore how we can make our pedagogical practices more accessible and inclusive for all students.

Our guest, Marielle, shares her insights and experiences with equitable assessment and how it has impacted her students' success. Marielle discusses the importance of considering students' individual needs and backgrounds in grading practices, and how we can move away from traditional models that disadvantage certain groups of students.

Throughout the episode, we challenge the notion of "success" in education and how it is defined by traditional grading systems. Instead, we aim to shift the conversation towards a more inclusive definition of success that accounts for the diverse experiences and challenges that students face.

By the end of the episode, we will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of equity in assessment and how we can work towards creating a more accessible and inclusive education system for all students. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation on "The Learning Curve."

Further Learning

Two-Stage Exams:https://youtu.be/jik9VMvTBqg

Ungrading for formative Assessment:https://youtu.be/bjbgDZjw5tc

"I needed to change" Collaboration for Learning: https://youtu.be/fwG0wzOZMUU

Guests

Nicole Lafrenière, Director of Curriculum & Assessment

Marielle Poulin, High School Teacher

Tim Cusack, Deputy Superintendent

Hosts

Julia McLeod, Assessment & Reporting Consultant

Jennifer Espejo Harasimiuk, Assessment & Reporting Consultant

Music by Conor McLeod

In this episode of The Learning Curve, host Julia McLeod interviews Jennifer Espejo Harasimiuk about Outcomes-Based Assessment and Reporting (OBAR) in Edmonton Catholic Schools. Jennifer shares practical examples of how OBAR is being put into practice in schools, including reducing repetitive tasks and aligning assessments with outcomes. The episode also discusses the challenges of moving towards OBAR and suggests a path forward, making it an insightful conversation about the future of student assessment in education. 

Guests 

Hosts 

Music by Conor McLeod