Melissa Dean

Assessment is a process, not an event.

I tried to read this. I didn't get past the first page.

Grades are boring. Assessment is much more interesting.

Assessment is a process, not an event.

“And more importantly, I came to learn how the way maths was taught made my peers dislike maths, feel helpless and anxious.” #iTeachMath www.cambridgemaths.org/blogs/seven-...

It’s all in the game? I teach Grade 9 math. I’ve talked about this before on this little blog of mine, and I’m constantly working to try to help my math learners build resilience and grit and risk taking. Co…

I introduced my class to the Towers of Hanoi. What followed was the most productive math class we've had in ages:
deanofmath.wordpress.com/2025/05/15/i...

Dusting off the writing project.

Assessment isn’t something we do, it’s a way of being in the classroom.

Everyone deserves access to rich mathematics experiences.

Building up my writing again. Deanofmath.substack.com

I’m clearly now Howie. But— lots
and lots of visuals. Don’t rush to the algorithms. Have kids explore concrete representations and build
connections.

After rejections and passed overs piles up, I wonder why I keep trying.

People will say that students need to be prepared for the real world as if the real world doesn't include joy, curiosity, self-discovery, and grace. #EduSky

Too much assessment happens in private and after the fact.

Weekend bread therapy.

I need to start a streak like this.

It’s very teacher centred.

Our assessment practices need to reflect what we value in the learning.

Right? Like, when I’m going to be away I think…what should I do with my starter?

The feeling of community you can get when listening to music… doing math… playing a sport…

🤔

#iTeachMath

Friday night.

High school math can and should be about play, inquiry and curiosity.

I feel this deeply.

As you plan your assessment this week, consider this: what question are you trying to answer?

Our staff is in 2 groups. Our year is divided into 9 week blocks. For 2 of the blocks, teachers teach a half credit course, and then the other 9 weeks, we meet for staff learning. I’m leading the first two 9 week blocks.

This block will be focused on helping staff with problems of practice.

Thanks for this reminder!

I’m diving into leading a new round of weekly staff learning around teacher personal inquiries.

Absolutely.

How did I not know you were a Man U fan? Not sure we can be friends any more! Go Man City! 😉

I hear ya. I feel like we’ve lost something significant.