USING FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT TO DRIVE INSTRUCTION

Turn quick evidence into timely action so every learner gets what they need next.

Quick facts

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Format

Facilitated cohort plus self-paced modules

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Time

25 hours total

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Certificate

Yes

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Price

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Agency by Design:

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Agency by Design:

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Agency by Design:

Why this VLC

Formative assessment is not a quiz. It is a design for seeing learning in motion and acting on it. In this VLC you will build simple checks that work in person or remotely, organize the data so patterns are visible, and use those insights to adjust instruction and facilitation in real time. The result is instruction that is targeted, responsive, and easier to manage.

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Agency by Design:

replace tasks with authentic problems and give learners real decisions to make.

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Structures First:

time, resources, choice, and feedback systems that transfer responsibility to the learner.

Who it is for

Teachers and instructional coaches who want clear, usable evidence to guide next steps

Structures First:

School and district leaders building consistent progress monitoring routines

Executive Function for All:

Teams implementing blended or flexible environments that need quick reads on learning

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Evidence of Learning:

use student work to guide the next move, not just to record a grade.

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Human and Tech Together:

tools serve the design, not the other way around.

Professional Learning That Puts Learners in Charge

Great teaching is design. Our Professional Learning Experiences help teams create learner-active environments where people own the work, build executive function, and solve authentic problems.

What you will gain

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Replace tasks with purpose-driven problems

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Build structures for choice, time, and resources learners can manage

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Coach executive function skills that drive results

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Use evidence of learning to adjust in real time

What you will be able to do

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Design formative assessments across four categories: temperature gauges, breakpoint assessments, student-directed assessments, and comprehensive assessments

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Align checks to learning goals and success criteria so evidence is actionable

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Use data to differentiate activities and supports for access, practice, and stretch

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Drive facilitation moves in any environment using visible cues and quick routines

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Build a formative assessment grid to collect and track data from individuals and groups

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Close the loop with short feedback cycles that keep students improving

Syllabus snapshot

  • FOUNDATIONS OF FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT

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    Takeaway: Clarify purpose, link checks to goals and success criteria, and select the right tool for the moment.

  • THE FOUR CATEGORIES OF CHECKS

    Group of people working on laptops around a table with holographic icons floating above them.

    Takeaway: Build temperature gauges, breakpoint assessments, student-directed assessments, and comprehensive assessments you can use tomorrow.

  • FROM EVIDENCE TO ACTION

    Group of six people outdoors, conversing, holding papers and tablets near a tree and building.

    Takeaway: Use the data to differentiate activities, supports, and pacing for individuals and groups.

  • FACILITATION POWERED BY EVIDENCE

    Laptop on desk with icons, beside a potted plant, near a window with sunlight.

    Takeaway: Plan visible routines and cues that help you coach in person and remotely.

  • BUILD YOUR FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT GRID

    Person sitting at picnic table in forest, using laptop. Sunlight shines through trees.

    Takeaway: Design a simple grid to collect, track, and interpret evidence quickly.

  • CLOSE THE LOOP

    Woman using tablet in park, digital icons of learning and data visualization hovering above.

    Takeaway: Create short feedback cycles and student self-checks that sustain growth.

Course materials and access

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Required text: Participants use Reinventing the Classroom Experience  by Dr. Nancy Sulla. Please purchase the book in advance.

Included access: MyQPortal  access is included for all participants while enrolled in the VLC.

Evidence and impact

Student-directed checks improved self-monitoring and made my feedback faster and more precise.
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Our formative grid made patterns obvious. I could regroup in minutes and keep everyone moving.
Student-directed checks improved self-monitoring and made my feedback faster and more precise.
Our formative grid made patterns obvious. I could regroup in minutes and keep everyone moving.
Six colorful book covers by Nancy Sulla about classroom instruction and student taking charge

Related Resources

Six colorful book covers by Nancy Sulla about classroom instruction and student taking charge

Dr. Nancy Sulla Books

Unlock Educational Success with Dr. Sulla’s Books

Enter the Library
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MyQPortal

The Pathway to Student-Driven Learning!

Open MyQPortal

FAQs

  • HOW MUCH TIME WILL I NEED

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    Plan for 25 hours total including self-paced work and scheduled sessions.

  • CAN OUR TEAM ENROLL TOGETHER

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    Yes. Seat bundles are available. Price:

    VLC PRICE LINE

  • DO I GET A CERTIFICATE

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    Yes. You will receive a certificate noting contact hours and outcomes.

  • WILL THIS WORK IN BLENDED OR REMOTE SETTINGS

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    Yes. Every routine is designed for in person and remote use.

  • DO I NEED SPECIAL TECHNOLOGY

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    No. We will share options. Use tools already available in your setting.

MAKE EVIDENCE YOUR ADVANTAGE

PO accepted. Seat bundles available.