Too much valuable teacher time is devoted to the kind of marking and feedback which does little to improve pupils' learning. This easy to read guide introduces a range of innovative and practical strategies to ensure that assessment genuinely is for learning.

Table of Contents: 1. Beware the AfL 'Buffet' 2. Sharing Learning Intentions 3. Success Criteria: The 'Cinderella' Aspect of AfL 4. Engineering Effective Classroom Discussions 5. Formative Feedback 6. Activating Learners as Resources for Each Other 7. Activating Learners as Owners of their Own Learning 8. Demonstrating Effective AfL Progress to Ofsted and Other Stakeholders 9. How to Work Effectively with Parents 10. Winning Hearts and Minds: How to Successfully Embed AfL across the Whole School 11. Key Messages: Moving Forward Checklist for Perfect Assessment for Learning

Reviewed by Linda Dawson, Deputy Headteacher, The Bemrose School, Derby.Claire's book provides us with a very thorough and clear explanation of AfL and puts it well and truly at the heart of school improvement in terms of developing outstanding teaching and learning. Perfect Assessment for Learning is full of practical, fun and imaginative ways of engaging students and teachers in the learning process. The 'top tips' sections are bursting with a wide range of strategies which are easy to implement and establish as routine practice in the classroom.What is very striking about the book is how important the relationship between the teacher and the learner is. Knowing precisely where our strengths and weaknesses lie as teachers and learners is so important and the more we know in this respect I believe the better the learning and progress will be. I particularly liked the suggestion that effective feedback should be two- way. Asking the students to feedback more regularly on my teaching will be something that I will definitely try, I think I might call it 'knowing me, knowing you'.I am sure that anyone who is interested in improving learning in their classrooms and schools will find this a stimulating, practical and very effective resource. Reviewed by Mo Laycock OBE, former Head Teacher (1995-2010), Firth Park Community Arts College, Sheffield.This is an excellent and practical book which should be readily available for use by all staff in schools. In particular, senior managers and the teaching and learning coaches team. Used well Claire Gadsby's practical ideas should enhance teaching and learning.Assessment for learning as Claire describes it should be like a 'golden thread', pulling together effective lesson planning, clear objectives, chunking up the lesson tasks, and ending with an in depth plenary. This consistency across the school is what ultimately moves a school from good to outstanding. Assessment for learning is not an add on

Jackie Beere MBA OBE worked as a newspaper journalist before starting a career in teaching and school leadership. She was awarded the OBE in 2002 for developing innovative learning programmes. Since 2006 she has been offering training in the latest strategies for learning, developing emotionally intelligent leadership and growth mindsets. She is the author of several bestselling books on teaching, learning and coaching, as well as being a qualified Master Practitioner in NLP.Claire Gadsby describes herself as an innovator, educator and motivator. A teaching and learning consultant and trainer with over 15 years' classroom experience, she collaborates with numerous schools every year to raise their levels of achievement. Much of her work involves working alongside teachers in classrooms, and her areas of expertise include Assessment for Learning (AfL), whole-school literacy and demonstrating pupil progress. Jan Evans is an education consultant with over 30 years' experience of working in education. She was the lead Assessment for Learning (AfL) consultant in Oxfordshire and has co-authored materials for the Secondary National Strategy. Her other specialist areas of expertise include promoting autonomous learning and developing interactive pedagogy and personal learning and thinking skills.Jan regularly works with school leadership teams to develop strategic approaches to school improvement and leads a range of whole-school training programmes. She also coaches and mentors teachers at all stages of their careers.She is committed to helping teachers reclaim their creativity and prides herself on being able to motivate them through her sense of humour, practical approach and enthusiasm for innovative teaching and learning strategies.