Examination of teacher formative assessment self-efficacy development across a professional learning experience

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this study, in the United States, the authors used multilevel growth modeling to examine the impact of an intensive, year-long professional development program on teacher self-efficacy for formative assessment tasks. They further examined the relationship between self-efficacy and observed implementation of formative assessment practices in the classroom. Participants included 189 teachers from 17 schools across nine districts in a northwestern state. Results showed a significant (p < .001) growth in self-efficacy through six measurement points. The relationship between self-efficacy and classroom practice was found to be weak-to-negative, suggesting higher levels of self-efficacy were not necessarily associated with successful implementation of formative assessment. These results signal a need to support teachers’ abilities to provide accurate self-assessment, examine additional variables that may influence a teacher’s successful implementation of formative assessment, and critically examine the use of self-efficacy as an outcome variable in the study of teacher professional learning.