This page shares suggestions for gathering and analyzing objective data when using the Education for Life program. We discuss the details of this component with the following sections:
EDUCATION OVERVIEW | HOW TO USE THIS PROGRAM | OUR OPEN SOURCE PURPOSE
Objective data gathering and analysis is one way we measure the effectiveness of the Education for Life program. Our approach to this also incorporates traditionally accepted methods of evaluating a person’s understanding of Math, Science, Social Sciences, Language Arts, and to the best of our ability Arts & Trades, Technology & Innovation, and Health also. This data is for:
Our goal in open sourcing the data gathering and analysis details of the Education for Life program is twofold: transparency and to provide a replicable model for other alternative and independent education programs to use too. Sharing and helping to support and spread ideas like this is directly in alignment with our Purpose and Mission, our Global-transformation Pledge, and Highest Good philosophy for open source creation, sharing, and making a difference in the world.
SUGGESTIONS | CONSULTING | MEMBERSHIP | OTHER OPTIONS
Ellen Ross Kaspi: Progressive Educator and Mind/Body Modality Specialist
Jessica Wienke: Organizational and Leadership Development Consultant
Sangam Stancza: Ph.D. and P.E.
Stephanie VanderKallen: Mental Health Professional and Teacher
To assure all areas of importance are covered, we’ve designed the Education for Life program so that objective data gathering and analysis can easily be included throughout the learning process. Including this testing is optional, but we think objective data gathering and analysis is extremely helpful in evaluating both progress and the effectiveness of the program itself. Read the following sections for more on this topic:
One of the most important things to remember when considering testing/data gathering and analysis, is that every Learner is unique. Different people have different strengths and learning styles and different types of tests can be easier for some and harder for others.
It is also helpful to remember that test taking is a skill in itself that can be learned and improved upon. We address test taking, reading strategies, memory strategies, and more in our Technology and Innovation curriculum and feel that learning these skills can be very helpful when implementing and preparing Learners for most evaluation processes. If your learning environment and longterm goals allow for individualization, adapting your evaluation/testing process to better meet specific needs can also be beneficial.
If a traditional educational path is desired, specifically preparing for such a path can also assist in succeeding and achieving related long-term goals. One approach to this can be seen in the ACT/SAT Assessment System(s) section below. Remember though that every individual is different and all the suggestions here may work for some and not for others.
ACT and SAT tests are arguably the standard for college admission tests. As such, there are a diversity of ACT/SAT assessment and preparation applications, books, games, and other resources available. They cover in differing degrees math, reading comprehension and writing, and vocabulary. Our experience shows that these tools can be used even with grade-school children IF they are made fun and interesting enough to be age appropriate. Our opinion, if a Learner is open to learning at that level, encourage and help them.
That said, and because these tests are so widely accepted for college admission, we’ve chosen to make them a foundational part of our education model and evaluation process. In so doing we’ve found that, as stated above, if you make them fun and interesting enough, even the youngest of Learners can use these as learning and evaluation tools. Here are some suggestions we’ve found helpful for using them this way:
The Spectrum Book series is highly recommended because it provides grade-based subject-by-subject study and evaluation. They are loaded with excellent educational content, comprehensive enough to be considered more like complete work texts than mere practice books, and organized by subject and grade. Combined with the included tests and answers, these books are a great ways to teach grade-appropriate content and then test a Learner’s knowledge of that content.
“Khan Academy is a nonprofit with the mission of providing a free, world-class education for anyone, anywhere.” As of the creation of this page they offer extensive educational content covering the complete subject of Math plus Computing, Biology, Chemistry, History, Economics and Finance, Physics, and more. Educational content includes videos, articles, and tests and their online educational environment tracks progress and awards a diversity of badges as content and tests are completed.
There are many other standardized testing options too and we’ll add here any we find that we think are especially useful. Virtually every textbook series has it’s own standardized tests that come with it and grade-based learning aids like the Spectrum Book series mentioned above also have tests built into them. We think specifically educating for the ACT/SAT tests makes sense because of how they are used for college admissions but your specific needs may warrant a different approach.
Non-standardized evaluation is also an option that is worth considering. We haven’t had a chance to evaluate these approaches yet but will evaluate them and report here on what we find once we do. From what we’ve read so far, the research and results are very exciting. Here are a few related articles:
We consider objective data gathering and analysis as crucial to the learning and growth process. We’ve included it as an optional component of the Education for Life program and will continue to develop this page with resources and results as we evaluate and implement them.
Q: Are all aspects of this component necessary?
We consider all aspects listed above as important, but how a person or organization chooses to use them is up to that individual or group. To maximize the flexibility and application options, all components are designed to be usable in combinations, as part of the complete One Community Education for Life program, or as stand-alone components.
Q: What if I have my own evaluation system that I like better, can I use that instead?
Of course! All aspects of the Education for Life program are designed for use in any educational environment and with or without inclusion of any other aspect of the program.
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