Basic Assessment Literacy: Focus on Standardized Assessments

		There seems to be no shortage of opinions when it comes to the topic of standardized testing in schools. Parents, teachers, administrators, school board members, policymakers, and educational researchers have all engaged in dialogue related to the value and utility of this tool. Passionate arguments for or against the use of standardized assessments have played out in educational journals, op-ed pieces, and even televised debates. Indeed, the deliberation is hard to avoid.

		Before venturing into this lesson, identify some of the issues or questions you have heard raised about the use of standardized assessment in schools. You may or may not hold these issues as your own, but it is important to recognize the public's perceptions of these tools. This lesson will help define the "middle ground" of standardized assessment. That is, these assessments are neither "good" nor "bad" for education and for kids. Rather, they are measurement tools designed with specific uses in mind and, like all assessments, have limits to their utility. Some of the common arguments for and against these tools will be presented. In addition, the different kinds of standardized assessments will be discussed, as well as some of the appropriate uses of these tools.

		Two documents are abstracted for this lesson; both documents were chosen because of the excellent background information they provide related to standardized assessments. I strongly recommend that you secure these documents in their original form to give you the comprehensive information needed to best use standardized assessment data. Next, consider these guiding questions before launching into this lesson, entitled "Basic Assessment Literacy: Focus on Standardized Assessments." Respond to these questions: What do you expect to learn in this lesson? How will you benefit from this information? How will you apply what you have learned?

		To review, here are the three steps you should take to ensure that you are well-prepared to begin this lesson: Identify some of the issues or questions you have heard raised about the use of standardized assessment in schools. Read the two abstracts for this lesson. Respond to the final three guiding questions.

		While completing the lesson, consider whether it has responded to some of the common issues you identified regarding standardized assessment. Reconsider the relevance of the lesson. Did you learn what you expected to learn? Did you benefit from the information? Is your knowledge relevant and applicable to your profession? Here's hoping this lesson will help you become an "educated consumer" of your standardized assessment data.

Introduction to Data-Driven School Improvement