example narrative assessment reports
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assessment report sampleTRANSCRIPT
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EXAMPLE NARRATIVES #1 - #3
This set of narrative assessment examples can be used by your teachers and administrators to identify
and discuss what is considered to be desired quality attributes of narrative assessment reports at your
school. This article includes examples of three narrative reports in different styles:
1. In this example a primary school teacher writes an extensive narrative report about all the core
subjects for a single student in one comprehensive narrative.
2. This is an example math report for a middle school student. The same assessment is given in two
styles whose impact and effectiveness can be compared.
3. In this example a high school English report is used to paint a thematic picture of a learner
illustrating how narrative assessment reports can convey a lot with minimal words.
VIEWING COMMENTS
The annotations associated with these reports are made by article author Carmine Chick Chickadel.
Chick identifies noteworthy characteristics of each report and offers some personal opinions. The reports
should be used not as examples of right and wrong but rather as tools to prompt discussion.
Evaluating and building consensus within your school of the strengths and weaknesses of these examples
will help your school solidify its definition of a quality report.
ABOUT CARMINE CHICKADEL, RAVENNA SOLUTIONS
Carmine "Chick" Chickadel has been an educator for over four decades. He is presently an
independent school administrator in the Pacific Northwest. His expertise is in educational
cultures and philosophies, curriculum design, and teacher training and mentoring. Chick
speaks and teaches frequently on the topic of narrative assessments.
ABOUT ORCAS FOR NARRATIVE ASSESSMENT REPORTS
Created by educators on an innovative web-based platform, ORCAS software is a
sophisticated, yet affordable solution for student assessment, curriculum management and
student registration. ORCAS automates the report card process for schools that use narrative
reports, skills checklists, or skills continuums for student assessment.
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NARRATIVE ASSESSMENT REPORT WRITING: EXAMPLE 1
Report Format: In this example a classroom teacher who teaches/assesses all cores subjects
(reading, writing, math and social science) for a primary grade student writes a single narrative. The
teacher writes a paragraph per subject. Within each paragraph the teacher attempts to paint a
picture of the child through specific observations then makes clear assessment statements backed up
by specific evidence. Skills covered are listed within the narrative rather than in separate skills
checklists.
David is an enthusiastic student whose curiosity shows a true love of learning. He delves deeply
into his school work and projects, such as finding and emailing an expert to use as a source for
his community service report on composting. David is conscientious about completing
assignments on time but would benefit from taking more time to make sure all the components
of assignments are handed in. For example, he frequently needs to be reminded to include the
drafts of his writing assignments in with his final essay. David continues to be reticent at times
about finding playmates at recess or free time. However, once involved with others in activities
he enjoys the social interaction and is seen as a cooperative player by his classmates. We have
been working with David to identify ways in which he can be more proactive initiating playtime
activities, such as finding partners to play in some of his favorite activities and being more
confident about joining in as students are initiating larger group activities that he enjoys.
David demonstrates well-developed reading comprehension skills. He was able to identify plot
traits shared among fairy tales from different cultures and did a wonderful job retelling The
Peach Boy in his own words. He was an adept participant in our literacy circle discussions and
showed his ability to make predictions about content, and relate aspects of our stories to
personal experiences. One memorable moment occurred when David supplied the voice of the
Dragon in our reading of The Hidden Castle. David truly enjoyed this activity and his
enthusiasm was shared by the entire class. This is another example of how his initial reticence
to participate in activities can be overcome once he is engaged in his learning and feels
confident enough to take some risks. David has shown a strong grasp of grammar concepts. He
can identify nouns and action verbs, and is beginning to comprehend adjectives.
Writing is another activity David enjoys. The level of effort he puts into each writing assignment
is commendable. For his research project on blue whales David used a variety of different
sources and utilized our librarys multi-media resources well. The fairy tale he created about
the timid troll showed a potent imagination and the storys characters were well developed. He
used adjectives obtained from a thesaurus to enrich his story. The timid trolls scary exploration
under the bridge showed an impressive use of suspenseful writing that exemplifies Davids
ability to incorporate high-level skills into his writing. Davids spelling is an area where he is
showing some improvement, though he would benefit from taking more time to proofread and
Comment [O1]: Teacher does a good
job of painting a vivid picture of David as
a learner.
Comment [O2]: Clear assessment
statements are followed by examples.
Comment [O3]: Specific prescriptive
actions are documented.
Comment [O4]: Real-life antidotes
add richness to assessments.
Comment [O5]: Skills list.
Comment [O6]: Again, consistent
pattern of clear assessment statements,
supporting evidence/examples, and
prescriptive actions where necessary.
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use the dictionary. He has a well-developed vocabulary, and is beginning to use self-correction
strategies with his own writing. Davids cursive skills are solid and he has shown advanced
keyboarding skills.
David has shown a mastery of math concepts covered this semester. He is working toward
proficiency with his math facts (including addition/subtraction patterns, and multiplication up to
10). His unit test average is 94%. David has illustrated the ability to comprehend advanced
math topics that involve reasoning and problem solving skills yet shows inconsistent mastery of
topics involving memorization of facts. Davids lowest test score came from his units conversion
test while his highest came from his word problem test. We have been working on identifying
memorization techniques (through game play, for example) and David is developing an
understanding that knowing math facts provides the foundation for learning more complex
math topics.
In social science David dived into his community project working well with his teammates to
develop a presentation on their local neighborhood. He was a quiet but effective leader in the
group but was also a cooperative team member. In the teams self assessment of their final
project David said We did a good job because everyone worked hard. Davids enthusiasm for
the project motivated the entire group to put in an excellent effort. The mobile David created
for his teams report was exceptionally creative and informative. He placed himself at the
center as he would place himself in the center of his community. He then hung items on the
mobile that represented the broader communities of which he is apart. In conjunction with the
community project David sharpened his mapping, data gathering, research and verbal
presentation skills. For the science portion of the community project David worked with the
group studying the value of composting. The entire class benefited from the worm bin
information sent to David after he reached out to a local environmentalist through email. This
extra effort is one of many examples of Davids exuberance for his work.
David has shown considerable growth throughout this school year. Although reserved at times
he is one to observe first, consider his options, and then dive in with enthusiasm. As a learner
he consistently shows that once engaged he can produce exception quality work and exhibit
advanced critical thinking skills.
Comment [O7]: The teachers
language in the math assessment is not
as joyful as that for other subjects.
Perhaps the teacher is less comfortable
with the math subject.
Comment [O8]: Example provides
insight into Davids learning profile in
math.
Comment [O9]: Again, descriptive
words paint a picture of David.
Comment [O10]: Using a students
own words can be a valuable technique
in assessments
Comment [O11]: Good example that
shows higher critical thinking skills.
Comment [O12]: Nice bookending
of the same example in the beginning
and end of the report.
Comment [O13]: The reader has a
solid understanding of the type of
student David is and his strengths and
weaknesses.
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NARRATIVE ASSESSMENT REPORT WRITING: EXAMPLE 2
Report Format: In this report a student receives a report written by each subject teacher. The
teacher writes a class description that is included for all students in the class followed by individual
narrative comments for each student. The same assessment is given in two examples whose impact
and effectiveness can be compared.
VERSION 1
Class Description
In Pre-algebra this term we covered Variables, Expression, Integers, Factors, Exponents, Rational
Numbers, Probability and Percents. Students are given daily homework assignments Monday through
Wednesday. Some in class time is spent going over homework questions but students are expected to
self-correct their homework assignments and bring up questions for discussion in class time. Every
Thursday students are given time to review for our Friday quiz. For those students who feel they have
mastered the material I distribute a POW on Thursdays that can be submitted for extra credit on Fridays.
Comments:
Michelle has had a very good semester. She has is showing a solid mastery of the material but could
benefit from slowing down and focusing on making fewer mistakes. Her homework assignments are neat
and she appears to be keeping up with her word (I empower my students to monitor their own homework
success through self scoring and correction). Her quiz average is 92% and she received an 83% on her
semester exam. If Michelle put a little bit more time into review prior to her tests I think she could bring
that grade up! Michelle is a good class participator and it was a pleasure having her in my class!
Grade: B+
VERSION 2
Class Description
Our math program focuses on engaging students in understanding the fundamental concepts of the math
topics first and foremost and then applying those concepts in a variety of different ways including
teacher-directed learning, math projects, cooperative group activities, and reinforcement of skills learned
through homework. In Pre-algebra this term we covered Variables, Expression, Integers, Factors,
Exponents, Rational Numbers, Probability and Percents. Students who feel they have mastered topics are
provided with a Problem of the Week (POW) that challenges them to reach a higher-level understanding
of the math topic covered. Students are assessed through weekly quizzes that measure understanding of
the weekly topic (75%) as well as an end-of-term exam that calls for students to integrate the math topics
learned (25%).
Comments:
Michelle displays a strong number sense and is an active, enthusiastic, participant in our group math
activities. She particularly enjoys our Mental Math showdowns where she gets to work with teammates
Comment [O14]: Classroom schedule
should not be a part of assessment this
information is needed by student and
family at the start of the term.
Comment [O15]: Teacher assumes
reader knows what a POW is.
Comment [O16]: Good and
Strong are two words that should be
used sparingly as they frequently provide
little meaning.
Comment [O17]: Is a B+ mastery at
your school? Every schools should have
agreement on the definition.
Comment [O18]: Typo that passes
spell check!
Comment [O19]: Repeat of
information given in class description.
Comment [O20]: Be cautious using
predictive language.
Comment [O21]: Clich ending
Comment [O22]: Articulation of
curricular program has value if outside
audiences (e.g., other schools) will be
reading reports.
Comment [O23]: Acronym is defined
for reader. Purpose of POW is included.
Comment [O24]: Specific
information on how the assessment is
made and grade is determined is
included.
Comment [O25]: Descriptive
language helps paint a picture of
Michelle as a learner.
Comment [O26]: Example support
statements.
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to talk through the answers to complex problems. She has had a successful semester keeping up with
homework assignments, and always taking care to show her work in a neat and organized manner. Her
weekly quiz average is 92% indicating a solid mastery of topics; however, her deductions were usually the
result of careless errors that could be reduced if Michelle took the time to recheck her work. On her
semester exam Michelle scored 83%. This is a solid score but Michelle has expressed the desire to
improve her score in the next exam. We have discussed review strategies to try out next semester and
the class will develop a review schedule prior to the exam. I have also encouraged Michelle to attempt
the POW more frequently as that will help her achieve a higher level of mastery of the math skills
covered. Michelle is an energizing participant in our math class and we all value her presence in our class!
Grade: B+
Comment [O27]: Includes Michelles
own goal.
Comment [O28]: Specific prescriptive
information to help Michelle meet her
goals
Comment [O29]: Concluding
statement a bit more personalized and is
consistent with statements made in
assessment. This is less clich then it
was a pleasure.
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NARRATIVE ASSESSMENT REPORT WRITING: EXAMPLE 3
Report Format: In this high school English report the teacher presents a thematic portrait of the
student giving an impactful description of that students learning personality.
Always the observer, Juliana sits in the back of the classroom. She rarely raises her hand but will respond
if called upon to do so. She is never late with an assignment, never flustered by a new task, never
distracted from her mission to write, to write well and to write often.
Her strongest suit is creative non-fiction. She is articulate, using her mature vocabulary and syntax to
capture the small moments in her day or the snapshot of a human interaction that lasts no more than a
few seconds. Her attention to detail is precise as is her use of descriptors. She drives each sentence with a
strong verb and avoids over embellishment.
In a recent essay about Sunday dinner at her grandmothers house, she describes entering the familiar
dining room: The oval wooden frame of my great-grandparents wedding picture gleamed in the
streaming sunlight. They werent smiling in the portrait, so unlike my Nanna and Grandpop who both
have the crease lines of constant mirth. In two sentences she brings us up to date with family history and
her take on the world.
Juliana is an effective analytical writer, as well. She orders her ideas to make the best of evidence and the
standing premise of each paragraph. Her theses are based in evidence and she is direct and succinct as
she draws conclusions.
She has set an interesting goal for herself recently. She writes, I want my work to be strange and
wonderful and to bring the reader on a powerful journey to the destination I envision. So, Juliana, you
are on the way to that end, keep up the good work, stay focused on the elements of each phrase,
sentence, and paragraph. The story is in the details, but you already know that.
Comment [O30]: The first paragraph
establishes the students learning theme.
The reader can visualize her as an
engaged, yet somewhat passive
observer. Consider what a parent,
teacher, or admission director, learns
about this student from the description
beyond what can be gained from a letter
grade.
Comment [O31]: Generalized
description of strength is followed by
specific skills.
Comment [O32]: Example provides
clear summation of students ability
using few words.
Comment [O33]: Personalized
ending provides affirmation of students
own goals.