Mr. Craft might consider utilizing assessment methods that would encourage assessment for learning such as portfolio assessments or project-based assessments. These types of assessments become part of the learning experience itself, and they allow for students to demonstrate mastery of learning objectives through products and performance rather than taking a traditional paper-and-pencil test.

One suggestion that I would have for Mr. Craft is that he should incorporate performance-based assessments. This can be easy to do for math or science teachers, but as a way to incorporate performance-based assessments for social studies is to have students do a gallery walk assessment for locating geographic features that may be a part of the standard. I would also incorporate real-life problem solving essay questions on the exam, to gauge understanding of the topic being discussed in social studies.

Depending on Mr. Craft's comfort level with technology I would recommend using websites like xtimeline.com to develop a performance assessment that has students sequence key information and dates to help students understand. Another solution would be to use sites like prezi, glogster, and bitstrip.com to create presentations about issues and events in history class. These sites not only are engaging but offer students the opportunity to work with technology.

Have the students complete a social studies project/presentation. Use a rubric to grade them or have the students grade each other!

The great thing about Social Studies is that it can be expressed in so many different ways. I like to divide my class into small groups and assign topics to each group. After studying a particular time period or subject area, I have them write a skit to "act out" to show their understanding of the historical context of the event or time period. I do not use these activities as summative assessments, but they are great tools for formative purposes.

Maybe try small 10 question quizzes after each lesson.