ERIC Number: ED532637
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2008
Pages: 5
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
The Case for Multiple Measures. Info Brief. Number 52
Fuller, Dan; Fitzgerald, Kevin; Lee, Ji Sun
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
What is the best use for tests? Testing should provide insight and information to educators and students. The primary purpose of testing is to inform teaching and learning. Yet, for too many schools, testing has been perverted to accommodate only measurement. Lesson plans are built around helping students pass the tests. In many instances, schools are forced to concentrate on educating kids who are "on the bubble" between becoming proficient and not proficient, while neglecting those at higher and lower levels of achievement. The stakes are high because the results of these tests can affect the school building and, potentially, the entire district. Surely, this is not the intent of education. There is a growing movement for alternatives. States like Nebraska have been working with the United States Department of Education to utilize a locally based assessment system that is a viable alternative to the standardized tests generally used for assessment. Changes like these are welcome and aligned with the public's desire for more from education than merely tests. Recent polling indicates significant support for teaching students more than the basics. The public is calling for the incorporation of 21st century skills into education, and over half of those surveyed in a recent poll believe this to be as important as proficiency in reading and math. In this Info Brief, we look at the shortcomings of the current system required by No Child Left Behind and the practical implication of this law for assessment in schools and states. We also examine the current practices, the alternatives, and some solutions that have been developed or are under consideration.
Descriptors: Student Evaluation, Federal Legislation, Testing, Standardized Tests, School Buildings, Evaluation Methods, Academic Achievement, Testing Programs, Skill Development, Educational Legislation, Public Opinion, Parent Attitudes
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. 1703 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311-1714. Tel: 800-933-2723; Tel: 703-578-9600; Fax: 703-575-5400; Web site: http://www.ascd.org
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development
Identifiers - Location: United States
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: No Child Left Behind Act 2001
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A