The Assessment Debate: A Reference Handbook (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9781576072790)

An authoritative reference on one of education's hottest topics, describing how the latest testing and assessment tools can be used to help improve student performance.

In this comprehensive review of the wealth of techniques by which students can be assessed, Valerie J. Janesick points out that the politics of schooling often gets in the way of student progress. "High-stakes" standardized testing is frequently based on poorly constructed, unfair tests that encourage "teaching to the test," which actually impedes educational goals.

Authentic testing relies more on essays and writing samples, performances, demonstrations, and role-plays. Although it is fairer and provides a measure of student growth and progress, it requires more effort by teachers, who also require extra training. Besides discussing authentic assessment in detail, The Assessment Debate includes a chronology, an annotated directory of organizations supporting performance assessment, a list of state coordinators for testing reform, and state-by-state report cards.

Author: Valerie J. Janesick
ISBN-10: 1576072797
ISBN-13: 9781576072790
Publisher: ABC-CLIO
Language: English
Published: 11/14/2001
Pages: 246
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 1.08lbs
Size: 11.60h x 5.06w x 0.87d

Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 05/01/2002 pg. 95
Reference and Research Bk News 02/01/2002 pg. 172
Choice 07/01/2002 pg. 2010
Booklist 03/15/2002 pg. 1274