CATCA 2025: Full Schedule

9:00am MST

Empowering Educators: Navigating Grading Reform Through Incremental Changes for Student Success

Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST

In the midst of numerous demands on educators' time, adapting teaching practices can be a daunting task. However, we invite educators to embark on a journey toward grading reform success, emphasizing incremental changes and practical strategies. Recognizing the pivotal role grading practices play in shaping student learning experiences, this session is crafted to equip educators with the necessary tools and insights for implementing impactful reforms in their classrooms. Join us as we empower educators to navigate the path toward effective grading practices and enhance student learning outcomes.

Speakers

Shannon Ireland

Field Service Facilitator, Alberta Assessment Consortium

The Alberta Assessment Consortium is a not-for-profit education partner in the province, focused on everyday assessment to support student learning. Our facilitators combine their experience as Alberta teachers and teacher leaders with the expertise of the organization.

Thursday February 20, 2025 9:00am - 10:00am MST
RDP Room 2305

Assessment (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions | Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions

10:20am MST

Leveling Up Learning: Using Games as a Formative Assessment Technique

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST

RDP Room 2602

Join us for an interactive session that explores the innovative use of games as a formative assessment tool. Participants will discover how to design and implement game-based assessments that not only gauge student learning but also foster collaboration, critical thinking, and motivation. We will discuss how to create engaging assessments that align with diverse learning objectives across subjects and grade levels.Three Learning Goals for the Session:1.Refine existing assessment practices by incorporating game elements that promote active learning and provide real-time feedback on student progress. 2.Design collaborative and interactive game-based assessments that align with diverse learning objectives across various subjects and grade levels. 3.Implement strategies for integrating game mechanics into formative assessments to foster critical thinking and teamwork among students.

Speakers

Shannon Ireland

Field Service Facilitator, Alberta Assessment Consortium

Thursday February 20, 2025 10:20am - 11:20am MST
RDP Room 2602

11:40am MST

Using AI to Generate Effective and Personalized Assessments that are Aligned to Curriculum

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST

RDP MAIN STAGE/ AC117 (ARTS CENTRE)

With the increasing demand for personalized learning experiences and the need to align assessments with curriculum objectives, AI presents a powerful solution. This session offers valuable insights and practical strategies to incorporate AI into your educational toolkit. Join us as we explore the frontier of assessment innovation and discover how AI can help you create effective and fair student assessments. This session is designed for teachers who are not yet using AI to create classroom assessments and want to learn practical tips and strategies to get started.

Speakers

Shannon Ireland

Field Service Facilitator, Alberta Assessment Consortium

Thursday February 20, 2025 11:40am - 12:40pm MST
RDP MAIN STAGE/ AC117 (ARTS CENTRE)

Assessment (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions | Curriculum & Pedagogy (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions

1:00pm MST

From play to learning: embracing fun and learning together

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST

RDP Room 1400 (MP Theatre)

Join us for a captivating session, "From Play to Learning: Embracing Fun and Learning Together." Through hands-on activities and discussions, participants will explore how play can serve as a potent tool to teach academic concepts across various subjects. By effectively scaffolding play experiences, educators can ensure that they are not only enjoyable but also educational, aiding students in developing crucial cognitive, social, and emotional skills. Additionally, attendees will learn strategies to foster a positive attitude towards play among students and parents, emphasizing its significance in early childhood development. Don't miss this opportunity to blend fun and learning in your classroom!

Speakers

Andrea Mishio

Teacher

With 17 years of invaluable experience in the education field, Andrea brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. After spending 15 years teaching in a junior high school setting, she now finds herself in the world of early childhood education as a dedicated kindergarten... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm MST
RDP Room 1400 (MP Theatre)

Assessment (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K)

2:20pm MST

Grades that Inform: Using Cognitive-Based Assessment vs. Traditional Grading

Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST

RDP Room 1500 (Cornerstone Restaurant)

What is it that we want a student’s grade to tell us? More importantly, what do want a breakdown of their grade to tell us? Too often, traditional grade categories tell us whether students are strong or struggle with unit exams or assignments, but tell us little about what cognitive skills and abilities they need in order to improve their learning.

This session will examine the advantages of cognitive-based grade categories, how it can improve assessment design, and give more detailed feedback to students on what cognitive skills they need to improve their learning. We will also examine examples of cognitive-based grading (including year plans, assessments and grade book setup) in multiple subject areas, and look at ways to adapt your current assessments so this is not more work for teachers.

Speakers

Shelly Cloke

Teacher

A former high school principal, vice principal, secondary teacher and instructional coach, I am currently teaching Grade 7 Language Arts and Social Studies at HW Pickup School in Drayton Valley, as well as a casual Alberta Assessment Consortium contract presenter. My career-long passion... Read More →

Thursday February 20, 2025 2:20pm - 3:20pm MST
RDP Room 1500 (Cornerstone Restaurant)

Assessment (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Early Childhood Education (Pre K-K), All Divisions

3:20pm MST

Classroom Assessment Techniques

Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT

Recording

This session will demonstrate formative assessment strategies that will enhance student learning and provide teachers with valuable feedback about their teaching practice. This information can guide instruction and will benefit all students; however, it will particularly have a positive impact on low-achievers. This is a valuable session because it will introduce teachers to a range of formative classroom assessment techniques, how to use them, how to analyze the data that they gather, and how to share that data with students. The takeaways from this session are very practical and could be smoothly incorporated into any classroom regardless of teaching situation or teaching style.

Speakers

Tyler Buchan

Tyler Buchan is a teacher at Salisbury Composite High School in Sherwood Park, Alberta. He has taught science for over 15 years at schools in Alberta, Burkina Faso and Jamaica. He has degrees in Education and Arts from the University of Alberta, and a Master’s of Science in Science... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

Assessment (TQS 3), Division 1 (Gr 1-3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 4 (Gr 10-12), Division 2 (Gr 4-6)

Post Convention Recordings Tyler Buchan

3:20pm MST

Outcomes, Triangulation and Gradebooks - OH MY!

Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT

Recording

We know that tests and traditional grading are not necessarily the most effective for assessing and reporting student learning, but how to make the transition from what we’ve always done to what we want to do? This session will share ideas and resources for tracking student progress, setting up an outcome based gradebook and reporting achievements in a way that meaningfully describes what students know and can do.

Speakers

Julie Arsenault

Science Lead Teacher, Science Council

After receiving her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Microbiology and Biotechnology, Julie entered the Faculty of Education at the University of Alberta to pursue her teaching career. She has been teaching with Edmonton Public Schools since 2002 and has developed a passion for incorporating... Read More →

Friday February 21, 2025 3:20pm - Saturday May 31, 2025 11:30pm MDT
Recording

Assessment (TQS 3), Division 3 (Gr 7-9), Division 2 (Gr 4-6), Division 1 (Gr 1-3)

Post Convention Recordings Julie Arsenault