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Let’s be real—teachers are swimming in data. From exit tickets to digital dashboards, it can start to feel like you need a degree in data science just to run small groups. But here's the truth: you don't need more data. You need smarter, simpler ways to use the data you're already collecting. That’s where these five easy (and fun!) formative assessment strategies come in. Think of them as your go-to toolkit for collecting just enough data to guide small group instruction—without the stress.  1. Exit Tickets with a TwistExit tickets are a classic for a reason—quick, revealing, and easy to use if you keep them low-lift. One of my favorite ways to bring a little spark back into this strategy is with Post-it Notes—yes, the sticky kind! 🔥 Hack Highlight: Post-It Note Trick In this quick video, I show a simple trick for tearing Post-it notes cleanly—perfect for prep time. I also walk through how to print your own custom exit tickets directly on sticky notes (yes, it’s easier than it sounds!).
2. Small Group Notes That WorkLet’s be honest: You don’t need a fancy app or color-coded spreadsheet to track small group progress. Sometimes all you need is a trusty clipboard and a sharp eye. The Power of Pen + Paper During small group time, jotting a quick note—“needs reteach,” “great math language,” “off-task again”—can give you real-time insight into how students are progressing. Whether you're tracking behavior, mastery, or engagement, your clipboard is your best small-group sidekick. 🔥 Hack Highlight: Ribbon-Covered Clipboards Want to avoid awkward glances when students try to peek at your notes during small group? Check out this video to see the ribbon clipboard hack in action! Just add colorful ribbons along the sides of your clipboard to hide student names and notes—and add a little flair while you're at it. Turn it into a workshop win: Let teachers personalize their clipboards during a PD session! Helpful Tools:
✅ Quick-Tip Formats for Notes:
3. Independent Practice = Built-In AssessmentIndependent work isn’t just busywork—it’s built-in formative assessment. But the way you structure it can make or break its value. 🔥 Hack Highlight: The Small Group Exit Slip Zone Before students move to their independent practice station, they must first meet with the teacher in a small group. Here’s where the magic happens: Instead of sending students back to their seat, they stay at a nearby “holding zone” table. Here, they complete one key problem or reflection related to your small group instruction. Why this works:
4. Digital Content Data (The Secret Weapon)Digital programs are goldmines of data—but only if you know where to dig. You don’t need to review every score or growth chart. Instead, use this strategy: 🔥 Hack Highlight: The “One-Touch Data Strategy” Pick ONE metric, ONE day a week, for ONE group decision. That’s it. For example:
📊 Outcome: Targeted support group for the next day
5. Observation = GoldSome of the best data you’ll ever collect isn’t from a dashboard—it’s from your own eyes and ears. Observation is often the first signal that something is clicking… or totally missing the mark.
Why It Works:
Small Group Tip: Use your notes to guide who needs:
Ready to bring these hacks to life in your classroom?
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AuthorMarcia Kish is a Blended Learning Specialist, Instructional Coach, and author of The 12 Elements of Student Engagement and Ownership Field Guide, dedicated to helping educators create dynamic, student-centered classrooms. Categories
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