Assessing other Groups' Assessments?

We haven’t gotten the chance yet to assess other groups’ assessments; however, when we assessed other groups’ mission statements, I found that to be quite enlightening. Reviewing other groups’ (or individual’s) work gives a different perspective to the reviewer and if feedback is given, to the creator as well. As time goes on, I’m sure we will eventually review other groups’ assessments.

The assessments, as with everything in the UdB process, should be based on the big ideas, or essential questions of the project. Speaking for our group, we are consistently going back to the big ideas and essential questions when designing our 15 session curriculum and assessments. I wonder how we can assess other groups’ assessments if we aren’t aware of where they are going, what their big ideas or essential questions are. I’m sure we would be able to assess, but would it be valuable feedback if we didn’t know what their goals are?

In referring to UbD, 2nd edition, the three basic questions assessors need to address are: 1) What kinds of evidence do we need to find hallmarks of our goals, including that of understanding?, 2) What specific characteristics in student responses, products, or performances should we examine to determine the extent to which the desired results were achieved?, and 3) Does the proposed evidence enable us to infer a student’s knowledge, skill, or understanding? When reviewing other groups’ assessments, I would assume that we would know their goals, expectations and big ideas.