I originally wrote this article in 2018. 

What is ZOCA? 

Examine the image above. All three circles (Students, Parents, and Mr. Marr) overlap to form the “Zone of Optimal Classroom Assessment” (ZOCA). When students take ownership of their learning and are supported by both parents and Mr. Marr, they will learn more in any class by operating within ZOCA. 

How does ZOCA work? 

It starts with me, Mr. Marr. I’m responsible ensure students and parents know the end-goal of the content in each unit of work in our class.  

Once Students understand what is expected, they will do the following in order: a) Co-construct criteria, b) Examine exemplars of varying levels, c) Set individual goals, d) Practice the task to generate specific feedback from Mr. Marr, students, and parents, e) Add quality work to a learning portfolio, f) Self assess, g) Review and re-adjust goals, h) Be evaluated (graded) by Mr. Marr.

What does ZOCA look like?

~Standards are posted and end-goal is known
~Feedback is often sought after and given
~Students know what quality work looks like 
~Students have clear goals 
~Students have a portfolio of learning evidence
~Parents understand all of the above

 What does ZOCA NOT look like?

~One set of notes (completely written), one quiz, limited feedback, one test at the end of a unit (or group project), one grade 
~Standards are not posted the end-goal is not known
~Parents not aware of what student is learning

How are Parents involved?  

Parents must be personally invested in what happens in our class. Parents who are invested will know: unit standards, their child’s learning goals, exemplars of successful work, and how to provide descriptive feedback. Descriptive feedback is given after carefully examining student work, in order to suggest how it might be specifically improved. I look forward to working with students and parents within ZOCA this school year and continuing to refine this concept in the future!

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. It was a pleasure spending time with you today.

Peace & Blessings, 

– Josiah