Join FAME

Professional Learning that Changes Practice: Suggested Focus for Lasting and Effective Implementation of the Formative Assessment Process

Starting your FAME Coaching Journey

Research shows that when implemented effectively, the formative assessment process can double the rate of student learning, enhance student learning outcomes, and promote increased student engagement, agency, and ownership in the learning process. Since 2008, over 1,500 educators have harnessed their desire to elevate student achievement and self-directed learning by joining FAME to lead Learning Teams. You're invited to join coaches from different backgrounds, various positions, and disciplines to create a collaborative learning environment around formative assessment that is career-changing for educators and life-changing for students - united under the shared philosophy that all students are capable and deserving of a fulfilling education.

Enhance student achievement and self directed learning

Promote teacher collaboration and planning for effective formative assessment practices in the classroom

Access to rewarding professional development opportunities and vast library of resources

Coaching Journey

PROGRAM BENEFITS

Staying Informed & Engaged with FAME

Enhance Student Achievement

Develop deep understanding of formative assessment and its effective application in the classroom to improve instructional practice and positively impact student learning.

Professional Learning Communities

Collaborate with a community of peers, 1,500+ coaches, and FAME Leads united by a shared passion and purpose.

Rewarding Professional Development

Access robust resources and trainings that nurture interpersonal skills. Build capacity, community, efficacy, and support colleagues' self-directed learning throughout your journey.

Coaching & Team Expectations

Coaches

Develop personal expertise in using the formative assessment process in the classroom

Practice to improve their skills in coaching

Ensure that the learning team meets on a regular basis throughout each school year

Ensure that the team covers the formative assessment process topics of greatest interest and need

Complete surveys administered throughout each academic year as part of the underlying research on formative assessment practices

Learning Team Members

Develop personal expertise in planning and using the formative assessment process, including the use of formative assessment strategies and tools in the classroom

Meet with the learning team on a regular basis throughout each school year

Participate in each learning team meeting by engaging in ongoing discussions of the components of the formative assessment process

Study several topics (e.g., about three) each year over the course of the three years of participation

Participate in research studies: surveys, observations, interviews

Testimonials

“The formative assessment process is one of the most powerful things I have witnessed as an educator! I wanted to help others with understanding FAME, while learning more myself. I wanted to build capacity and connections.”

FAME Coach

Frequently Asked Questions

The FAME program is a project commissioned, funded, and supported by Michigan Department of Education (MDE), and coordinated by the Michigan Assessment Consortium (MAC).

Throughout the Coach's journey, all FAME Coaches are supported by the MDE Program Manager, FAME Leads, and the Research, Evaluation & Development (RE&D) team. Further, Coaches have unlimited access to Professional Development Trainings and 400+ resources to support deeper understanding of formative assessment and facilitation of learning teams.

Michigan educators including administrators and teachers may be FAME coaches and learning team members.

Teams usually consist of 5-8 members from the same school, district, or area.

Please go to the events page to register you and/or your team. Remember to use correct names and email addresses.

This depends on what structures are in place for your site. For example, some teams meet once a week, biweekly, or monthly as their availability allows. However, we recommend meeting at minimum once a month to share their team's learning, planning, successes, areas to improve, and next steps.