Beyond Standardized Testing: Better Information for School Accountability and Management - Tapa blanda

If more politicians were to read this book and to understand that the misuse of standardized testing is gravely endangering the quality of education in the U.S., we might yet bring the assessment of educational outcomes to the level where it belongs: the local schools...This book is recommended for all with a stake in the education of children...Essential. * CHOICE * An unintended use of 70 year-old psychometric sorting technology has become the focus and unstated purpose of most American schools. George Elford offers a thoughtful alternative based on standardized teacher judgment and instructional management systems. With a similar approach, the award winning Chugach School District in Alaska, and a dozen districts adapting their model, have demonstrated that we can build systems of schools that work for all students. -- Tom Vander Ark, Executive Director, Education, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and former public school superintendent

Here's a fresh idea from an experienced testing professional that addresses the problem of the overuse of standardized testing. Elford argues that so-called test-based reform has given rise to the 'cram curriculum' and turned schools into test-prep centers. Overlooked are the classroom teachers, who observe the actual work of students and are the primary and richest source of information on learning. Beyond Standardized Testing lays out a better approach to accountability using standards, teacher judgments, and the tools of the information age.