Key Formative Assessment Books for Teachers

Formative assessment books are the topic of our blog post today!

Formative assessment is a key pedagogical device that can dramatically improve student learning and inform our teaching practices. But let’s be real; grasping the ins and outs of formative assessment isn’t always straightforward. From planning the assessments to interpreting the data, to providing constructive feedback, there are numerous facets that we educators need to consider. And that’s why diving into some quality reading can be integral.

In this post, I’ve rounded up a list of books that are essential reads for anyone looking to gain a solid understanding of formative assessments. These books offer practical advice, theoretical insights, and hands-on strategies that you can immediately implement in your classroom.

Related: Summative Vs Formative Assessment: A Visual Chat

Formative Assessment Books

Here are some very good formative assessment books to consider reading:

1- The Formative Assessment Action Plan, by Douglas Fisher and Nancy Frey  

In “The Formative Assessment Action Plan,” authors Douglas Fisher and Nancy Frey present an all-encompassing approach to formative assessment. Unlike standalone methods, this plan offers a continual, cyclic system. Built around four key steps, the authors create an ongoing dialogue between teachers and students, aiming to foster deeper learning.

It’s not just about grading or benchmarks; it’s about creating an interactive, ongoing conversation around learning. What I find compelling about this book is its emphasis on the reciprocal nature of education—teachers give feedback, and students actively respond, creating a dynamic classroom environment.

2- 25 Quick Formative Assessments for a Differentiated Classroom, by Judith Dodge

Judith Dodge brings us a toolkit for quick, on-the-spot assessments in “25 Quick Formative Assessments for a Differentiated Classroom.” The book is a treasure trove of easy-to-implement assessments designed to snapshot your students’ understanding at any point in time.

Whether you’re teaching math, science, or the arts, these tools can be applied universally. I like that it offers variations for different grade levels and also tips on how to differentiate the assessments to suit diverse learners. Essentially, it helps teachers get an immediate pulse on their classroom, so you can adjust your teaching strategies in real-time.

3-Embedding Formative Assessment, by Siobhan Leahy Dylan Wiliam

In “Embedding Formative Assessment,” Siobhan Leahy and Dylan Wiliam delve into the nuts and bolts of real-time, in-class assessment. They highlight five key instructional strategies and give actionable techniques for bringing them into K-12 classrooms. The book serves as a practical guide for teachers who are committed to the micro-level adjustments that make macro-level differences in student outcomes.

One thing that caught my eye was the focus on day-to-day, minute-by-minute instructional decisions. It really underscores how formative assessment isn’t a once-in-a-while tactic but an embedded classroom culture.

4- Formative Assessment: Making It Happen in the Classroom, by H. Margaret Heritage (Editor)

In “Formative Assessment: Making It Happen in the Classroom,” H. Margaret Heritage provides a thorough guide on executing formative assessment from the ground up. From articulating learning goals to fostering an environment where feedback is not just accepted but cherished, the book serves as an end-to-end guide for teachers.

One aspect I appreciate is its research-based methodology, offering evidence-backed strategies across different subjects and grade levels. Heritage clearly spells out how to select appropriate assessment strategies and engage students in self-management and self-assessment. The book basically offers a roadmap for teachers to diagnose learning gaps and then provides the tools to close them.

5- Hacking Assessment: 10 Ways to Go Gradeless in a Traditional Grades School, by Starr Sackstein

In “Hacking Assessment: 10 Ways to Go Gradeless in a Traditional Grades School,” Starr Sackstein provides a revolutionary approach to changing how we think about grades and assessment in education. Sackstein isn’t just theorizing; she’s putting into practice methods for assessing learning without resorting to grades, even in educational settings where grades are the norm. She presents a clear pathway for educators, offering ten pragmatic hacks—from shifting mindsets away from grades to tracking student progress in innovative ways.

One of the strongest points in the book is how it illustrates what formative assessment can actually look like in a real-world classroom. The book is designed as a hands-on guide, filled with actionable steps that teachers can immediately implement. Instead of outdated theories, Sackstein gives readers practical solutions to create classrooms where students are motivated by the joy of learning, rather than the fear of grades.

6- What Teachers Really Need to Know About Formative Assessment, by Laura Greenstein

Laura Greenstein’s “What Teachers Really Need to Know About Formative Assessment” is like a formative assessment crash course, packed with all the nuts and bolts you’d need for implementing this in your classroom. What I particularly value here is the book’s focus on straightforward answers to common questions we teachers often have.

It gives us a toolbox of strategies for gauging student understanding at multiple stages of the learning process, not just at the end. Plus, it offers examples across various subjects, from math and science to arts and PE. The idea here is to make formative assessment part and parcel of your teaching DNA, informing instructional adjustments based on real data.

7- How to Create and Use Rubrics for Formative Assessment and Grading, by Susan M. Brookhart

Susan M. Brookhart’s guide is a lifesaver when it comes to creating rubrics that genuinely measure learning, not just task completion. One thing I find intriguing is her discussion on different types of rubrics—like general vs task-specific and analytic vs holistic—and the situations where each fits best.

Brookhart isn’t just giving you a fish; she’s teaching you how to fish by helping you understand the very DNA of a good rubric. The book provides a great scaffold for us to better understand not just the ‘what,’ but also the ‘why’ behind effective rubric design.

8- How to Give Effective Feedback to Your Students, by Susan M. Brookhart

Susan M. Brookhart returns to the spotlight with “How to Give Effective Feedback to Your Students,” and let me tell you, the title says it all. The book explores the many dimensions of giving feedback—oral, written, and even visual.

With ample examples, Brookhart guides teachers on tailoring feedback to different learners, including those who excel, those who struggle, and English language learners. Feedback is such a cornerstone in formative assessment, and this book makes you think deeply about how, when, and in what form to provide it.

Final thoughts

There you have it, a curated list of books to catapult your understanding and implementation of formative assessment. Each of these texts has its own unique approach to this educational cornerstone, whether it’s designing robust assessment systems or providing actionable feedback to students.

And it’s not just about collecting data; it’s about transforming that data into meaningful classroom changes. I’m talking targeted instruction and timely feedback that feed into a dynamic, responsive learning environment. I’ve personally found nuggets of wisdom in each of these books, and they’ve helped me refine my own assessment strategies. Take it from someone who’s spent years both in the classroom and researching educational practices—these books are worth your time.