Narrative+Assessment

toc Page Purpose: Showcase Narrative Assessment
 * Narrative Assessment Supports Inclusive Education **

// "Assessment that values the learning potential of the individual and that identifies, in real terms, // what the child **can** do //, holds value in terms of reliably supporting further learning outcomes. In contrast, a deficit approach, often identified through normative measures, may provide insight into // what a child is **not** capable of // , but it does not provide a systematic pedagogical support for maximising further learning. " // (Visibly learning: teachers’ assessment practices for students with high and very high needs. Bourke, Mentis and Todd, 2010)

Narrative Assessment Stories
There are new IEP stories on IEP online that are interviews between Annie Guerin (working with Missy Morton) and students and parents. Some are about how students feel their IEPs should go (including chocolate, biscuits and fun being on the agendas). Others are about how parents feel about the IEP process, and others discuss how Learning Stories have changed their lives.

Narrative Assessment
NA is an assessment procedure developed to support students with learning needs through providing a rich picture of what the learner //can// do, their strengths and skills, as well as their needs. While the focus of the project was on special needs learners who will be working long term within level one of NZC, the philosophies underpinning this form of assessment can be used with all learners.

During the second round of our Senco and Teacher Aide workshops, participants practised writing learning stories to see how these could be used to show what students can do in their mainstream classroom environments. The general consensus is that they are a potentially powerful tool that will be able to provide evidence of learning in a way that conventional reporting has failed in the past. Not only does the audience include the entire learning support team and the student, but everyone can also contribute to the writing process. The New Plymouth group were able to share how they have been using Narrative Assessment with their learning support students for some time and how they wouldn't consider doing anything else now.

Practical Hints for Writing Learning Stories
(taken from the teacher guide (p31)).