Learning Targets

Chappuis, J., Stiggins, R., Chappuis, S., Arter, J. (2012). Classroom Assessment for Student Learning: Doing it right -- Using it Well. Boston: Pearson.

Every lesson every day we ask what is the intended learning?

Learning targets are statements of intended learning which teachers craft to guide the teaching and learning process; and to engage, support and hold students accountable for their learning.

Learning targets serve the large purpose of “keeping the learning on track”

Different types of learning targets represent different types of learning.

• Knowledge: I can identify and describe the elements of design in a work of art.

• Reasoning: I can evaluate the quality of my work in order to refine it.

• Skill: I can use a air brush to create different effects.• Product: I can create a still life oil painting. • Disposition: I value the role art plays in my daily life.

Target Explanation Examples

Knowledge Targets(pages 44-46)

Factual information, procedural knowledge and conceptual understanding that underpin each discipline

I can explain the difference between power and authority.Identify factors that determine reliability of health information.

Reasoning Targets(pages 47-52)

Thought processes students learn to do well within a range of subjects (infer, analysis, comparison, classification, evaluation, synthesis)

I can use data from a random sample to draw inferences about a population with an unknown characteristic of interest.

Skill Targets(pages 54-55)

Real-time demonstration or physical performance is at the heart of learning.

I can use laboratory equipment safely. I can dribble to keep the ball away from an opponent.I can parallel park a car.

Product Targets(pages 55-57)

Describe learning in terms of artifacts where creation of a product is the focus of the learning target. The specifications for quality of the product are the focus of teaching and assessment. The product itself is a learning target as well as a way to measure knowledge and reasoning proficiencies.

I can write a research paper about a topic of my choice.

I can create drawings demonstrating one and two point perspectives.

Disposition Targets(pages 57-59)

Refer to attitudes, motivations, and interests that affect students’ approaches to learning. They represent important affective goals we hold for students.

I question the validity of various positions including my own.

I can classify learning targets by type.

1. Go to the Assessment Blog1. wocsdassessment.edublogs.org

2. Click on February 25th in the pages box on the right3. Click on Play learning targets kahoot4. Type in the code on the eno board5. Type a nickname6. Play the game

Different types of learning targets are assessed in different ways.

Writing learning targets from a standard

1. Is the text of the standard a knowledge, reasoning, skill or product target?• If the standard includes several discrete learning targets, list each separately.

2. Identify the prerequisite or underlying knowledge, reasoning and or skills. • What does a student at your grade level need to know and understand to attain mastery of

this standard?• What skills, if any are required for mastery of this standard?• What patterns of reasoning are required for mastery of this standard? • What products, if any would students need to be proficient in creating to master this

standard?

3. Check your work for alignment and reasonableness.• Are all the targets listed essential? • Are they free from the type of assessment you might use to measure the learning target?

• In the design of the assessment you want to make sure you are assessing the learning target and the type of the assessment doesn’t get in the way of accurately assessing the target.

• Keep referring to the standard as you check for alignment.

Choose a standard and write your learning targets.

1. Go to http://wocsdassessment.edublogs.org/2. Click on page February 25 on the right side of the screen3. Click on deconstructing a content standard form.4. Save it to your desktop.5. Go back to the blog. 6. Click on resources, and click on your content area7. Copy and paste a standard that you will work on in the next few weeks to create

learning targets8. Create your learning targets in student friendly terms. (page 69)9. Have someone outside your content area review your learning targets and provide

feedback.

Teacher Benefits of Clear Learning Targets

• Knowing what to teach• Knowing what to assess• Knowing what instructional activities to plan• Avoiding coverage at the expense of learning• Interpreting and using assessment results • Tracking and reporting information• Working collaboratively with other teachers

Learning Targets for Students

Impact on Students1. Allow students to know “where they are going” as they begin and

pursue a topic of study. 2. Help students take charge of their learning and involve them in the

assessment process a) Students who can identify what they are learning significantly

outscore those who cannot (Marzano, 2005) b) Students who are involved in assessing their own learning

significantly out-perform students who are not involved (Black and Wiliam, 1998).

Benefits of learning targets for students

• Understanding what they are responsible for learning.

• Understanding and acting on feedback• Being prepared to self assess and set goals• Tracking, reflecting on and sharing progress.

Making Learning Targets accessible to students.

• Just because it is on the board does not mean it is in the student’s head (Chappuis)

Brainstorm: How to we use learning targets to engage, support and hold students accountable for their learning