Ahead of the Curve : The Power of Assessment to Transform Teaching and Learning

by Reeves, Douglas B.

• ISBN13: 9781934009062
• ISBN10: 1934009067
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2008-07-01
• Publisher: Solution Tree

Summary

Ahead of the Curve is the second book in the Leading Edge series. The Leading Edge is the undefined space where leaders venture to impact change¿it is the place where transformation begins. The Leading Edge series unites education authorities from around the globe and asks them to confront the important issues that affect teachers and administrators¿the issues that profoundly impact student success. The experts contributing to this anthology do not prescribe one method to transact change. They embrace the mission, trusting that teachers and administrators¿the true change leaders¿will venture to the Leading Edge to embrace the challenges and opportunities that will guarantee the success of their students. Ahead of the Curve provides a comprehensive view of the challenges of assessment¿from a classroom, system, and leadership standpoint¿and examines the many perspectives of effective assessment design and implementation. The distinguished contributors to this volume support the premise that the fundamental purpose of assessment is not to rate, rank, and sort students, but rather to provide meaningful feedback that leads to improved performance. The authors believe that assessment is most productive when its purpose is for learning rather than for simply measuring it. Section 1 explores the issues of classroom assessment. Section 2 considers the challenges of system-level assessment. Section 3 considers specific assessment challenges for English language learners and special needs students. Section 4 addresses the issues of assessment leadership. And the epilogue presents a powerful example of assessment excellence in action.

Table of Contents

About the Editor	p. vii
Introduction: From the Bell Curve to the Mountain: A New Vision for Achievement, Assessment, and Equity	p. 1
Classroom Assessment
Using Assessments to Improve Teaching and Learning	p. 15
Involving Students in the Classroom Assessment Process	p. 31
Assessment for Learning: An Essential Foundation of Productive Instruction	p. 59
System-Level Assessment
Common Formative Assessments: The Centerpiece of an Integrated Standards-Based Assessment System	p. 79
Designing a Comprehensive Approach to Classroom Assessment	p. 103
The Last Frontier: Tackling the Grading Dilemma	p. 127
Assessment Challenges
The Journey Toward Effective Assessment for English Language Learners	p. 147
Crossing the Canyon: Helping Students With Special Needs Achieve Proficiency	p. 165
Assessment Leadership
Content Then Process: Teacher Learning Communities in the Service of Formative Assessment	p. 183
Data on Purpose: Due Diligence to Increase Student Achievement	p. 207
Challenges and Choices: The Role of Educational Leaders in Effective Assessment	p. 227
Epilogue: Once Upon a Time: A Tale of Excellence in Assessment	p. 253
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