Abstracts - Mr. Larry Ainsworth, M.S.

"Common Formative Assessments: The Power of Assessments For Learning"                                          11.00. - Saturday, 5^th September 2009.

Larry Ainsworth, co-author of Common Formative Assessments:  How to Connect Standards-based Instruction and Assessment, will present the "big picture" of an integrated standards and assessment system that showcases Common Formative Assessments as the centerpiece of that system.  He will emphasize the development of formative assessments for learning aligned to summative assessments of learning. Larry will then preview his 10 steps for creating a common formative pre- and post-assessment-aligned to the "unwrapped" Priority Standards for a selected instructional unit topic-that includes a blend of both selected-response and constructed-response questions.
Educators in every grade and content area can effectively use the Common Formative Assessment process, either individually or with other members of their grade-level or department team, to monitor, adjust, and differentiate their ongoing instruction.  In doing so, they will be better able to meet the diverse learning needs of all their students.

" Common Formative Assessments, Part 2:  “Unwrapping” the Standards"                                          10.45. - Sunday, 6^th September 2009.

Larry Ainsworth, author of "Unwrapping" the Standards:  A Simple Process to Make Standards Manageable, and co-author of Common Formative Assessments, will guide participants through an interactive mini-experience of how to "unwrap" learning objectives to identify the specific concepts and skills that students need to know and be able to do. This dynamic, six-step process-that includes the writing of Big Ideas and Essential Questions-lays the foundation for creating a common formative assessment consisting of both selected-response and constructed-response questions. Educators in all grades and subject matter areas can effectively use this powerful practice whenever they begin planning an instructional unit of study with corresponding pre- and post-assessments.

“I Touch the Future; I Teach”:  Education as Selfless Service                                                                 16.05. - Sunday, 6^th September 2009.

People need a reason, a cause, something important to be a part of.  To live a fulfilling life is to know that our lives count for something, that we are making a difference.  Educators have that rare opportunity and privilege to carry out one of the highest expressions of selfless service: helping young people learn, think, question, and prepare for their future.  In this inspirational closing plenary address, Larry Ainsworth will speak about the importance of our role as educators who have the ability to touch students' lives in profound and lasting ways.                                                                                                                                                           "As you give of yourself fully, you will receive more than you can imagine in return.  There is no job that is as important as the one you now hold, for you are touching the future."