Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this study was to describe the Clovis Unified instructional team perceptions of formative assessment. The second purpose of this study was to describe a model of local formative assessment based upon the perceptions described, which may be used to inform instruction. Methodology. This qualitative case study used descriptive research. Group and individual interviews were conducted with elementary teachers, guidance instructional specialists, and principals from the Clovis Unified School District. Semistructured interview guides designed specifically for the study were used to collect data from the three identified stakeholder groups. Interview data coupled with selected archival data, provided the basis for this researcher to discover key themes, which led to seven major findings. Findings. This researcher identified seven key findings, four of which are listed here: Stakeholders perceived that (1) the state assessment program impacted the Clovis Unified School District as a system, (2) results of local formative assessments coupled with results from the state assessment program drive leadership practices including planning for instructional programs and resource allocations, (3) the results of local formative assessments impact the instructional decisions teachers make within the classroom, and (4) mandating the use of formative assessments only at schools not reaching their API growth targets affected the climate of individual school sites. Conclusions. Educational leaders wishing to implement a formative assessment program must anticipate and plan for the impact any assessment program will have on the district as a whole. They must anticipate changes in the state assessment program, treat teachers as leaders, and develop a sense of "team" among staff members. Site and district leadership must provide meaningful staff development opportunities, including the use of data to inform and differentiate instruction so that all students will receive a rigorous and challenging educational experience. Recommendations. One recommendation for future research is to extend this study to measure change in perceptions, attitudes, behaviors, and practices of stakeholders once Clovis Unified School District implements recommended changes to the current uses of formative assessments.