Exploring the Red River: Assessment and Evaluation   The learning activities in this packet support development of research skills by students. They also focus on topics in nearby history and natural history. These research topics invite extensive involvement by families in the work of students. Assessment and evaluation can continue the three-way dialogue between teachers, students, and families that began with your "What Do We Know?" classroom activities. The scoring rubric in this packet is an example of how you might evaluate students' work. It incorporates outcomes developed by the National Center for History in the Schools and the National Geographic Society. It also includes space for comments by students, teachers, and family members, to continue the ongoing dialogue between school and family about the research topics and about the student's progress. The form supports assessment and evaluation of both the individual student and of the curriculum unit, as well as communication with students, parents, and other teachers about the unit. You will need to adapt the items on this rubric to fit the particular topics and learning activities of your unit, as well as the development of your students. Students and parents can participate in completing the form during private three-way conferences, at "Evaluation Stations" during classroom or school open houses, or at home, independently of you.   Exploring the Red River: Scoring Rubric Student: Teacher:  Not Yet (Indicate Date)  Sometimes (Indicate Date)  Usually (Indicate Date)  Skill       Discusses historical or scientific knowledge.       Formulates historical or scientific research questions.       Forumulates theory or hypothesis about changes in the community or landscape.       Obtains information from a variety of sources, including:       --historical and contemporary sites and artificats        --historical and contemporary photographs        --libraries and archival collections       --oral history interviews        --maps        --written documents       Evaluates the usefulness and credibility of information in relation to research questions.       Presents research findings in one or more formats:        --written report       --oral report       --map        --visual display       --demonstration or living history interpretation          Final work product demonstrates a deeper knowledge of research topic                    Research Question(s):   Date and Title of Work Products:   Student's Comments: Did I answer the research question(s) that I posed?       Could I have extended my research further?       Has my research led me to new research questions? What are they?       What research skill(s) should I practice next?     Teacher's Comments: Did the student demonstrate particular ability with one type of research?       How can I support the student's emerging research skills?       Family Member's Comments: What did I learn from my student's work?       How can I support my student's emerging research skills?     © Red River Rural Schools Partnership 1998         Contents       Next