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As in all classes, assessment is critical for gauging a student’s achievement within the Suites system. Assessment is also used as a teaching tool to help students better understand concepts and enhance their skills. At every stage there are multiple ways in which a student’s progress is recorded, including individual test results and team-based evaluations. Following is a summary of the planned assessment during each of the four intervals.

In addition to the interval assessments listed below, Suites offer field trips to complement the curriculum and help meet specific standards-related requirements. These enrichment activities include career and ethics explorations, Internet projects, writing assignments, and extension activities that expand upon core concepts presented during Interval 1.

The first interval of learning provides the Suite Team with a knowledge base that they will apply during the rest of the Suite.

Objective and interaction testing is given, including short answer, multiple-choice, matching, and on-screen drag-and-drop activities. Students’ answers to the questions are secured in a database, allowing the instructor to assess the progress of each student after accessing these test results. Answers are weighted, so more points are awarded when a correct answer is given on the first attempt than on the second. Students create a portfolio of hands-on, paper-based, and open-ended assignments from Interval 1.

During Interval 2, the Suite Team is presented with a topic-related challenge. The challenge must be solved as a team, using the resources available in the Suite.

The instructor evaluates how students work together on a Team Dynamic Activity – a brief activity provided to build team unity and enhance skills – and how they solve the Team Challenge.

Interval 3 has students applying the knowledge they gained during Interval 1 to the Suite Team’s challenge solution outlined in Interval 2.

The instructor assesses how well students work together and utilize what they learned during Interval 1 to produce a final product. The teacher also evaluates the quality of the final product and how well it meets the specifications presented in the challenge.

In Interval 4, the entire Suite Team prepares and delivers a presentation that outlines the team’s solution and serves as a proof of their learning experience.

Students are evaluated on how they make their solution presentation and on the content of the presentation itself. The instructor uses a rubric to evaluate students’ performance during the presentation as well as their product and portfolio of work.