Thoughts...

[David Wallace]

1. How do we do benchmarking in a history class unless the focus is on skills not content? What would/should the skills be?

2. What are your thoughts on doing a unit with no multiple choice assessments? 

[Linda ODwyer]

David, the first question is a difficult one! Our department is experiencing a curriculum crisis and have a need to revise 6th, 7th, & 8th grade levels for Social Studies. In addition we are approved for a 1 to 1 technology initiative starting next year. Then with the core standards being delayed, where do we start?? At this point, we are focusing on skill and simply following the Core English literacy components for Social Studies and our current state skill-based standards. Your second question is easier. We are deciding to continue quizzing in multiple choice modality, however, final assessments are DBQ style, because that covers most of the requirement for literacy (including writing) standards. I personally don't think we should stray too far from multiple choice, especially when our textbook resources offers so many types of questions and at different levels to apply to all students. I am still an advocate of lower level Blooms and making students utilize and practice memorization skills in addition to higher level thinking!