Classroom Assessment for Student Learning (CASL)

Classroom Assessment for Student Learning (CASL) is a professional development program in classroom and formative assessment published by the Assessment Training Institute of Pearson Education. CASL consists of a primary textbook, DVDs, ancillary books, and an implementation handbook. The program targets K-12 teachers and is typically implemented via teacher learning teams of 3-6 members who meet regularly to discuss and reflect on the content of the textbooks and DVDs and share their experiences applying the program in their classrooms. Teachers study the CASL materials and apply CASL principles, practices, and tools in their classrooms. The program is designed to be self-executing without a coach or external facilitator. CASL focuses on five key components of classroom assessment: assessment purposes, clear learning targets, sound classroom assessment practices, communication and management of results, and student involvement in classroom assessment. The developers recommend approximately 60 hours of total training time, including reading, completing activities, trying out applications in the classroom, reflecting, and participating in learning team meetings. This study focused on mathematics instruction in grades 4 and 5.