Assessing Student Learning by Design: Principles and Practices for Teachers and School Leaders

How can we help teachers use classroom assessments to gather appropriate evidence for all valued learning goals, and to use those assessments not just to measure learning but to promote it? This book provides an answer in a practical, proven, and principled Assessment Planning Framework that moves away from solely multiple-choice tests toward a wide range of approaches to classroom assessment activities, including performance-based assessments. The Framework examines four different types of learning goals, considers various purposes and audiences for assessment information, reviews five categories of classroom assessment methods, and presents options for communicating actionable results. To the authors, the primary purpose of classroom assessment is to inform teaching and learning, rather than simply to assign grades. This concise resource will be a reliable go-to reference for teachers, school leaders, mentors, and coaches in guiding classroom assessment practices and understanding their underlying principles. Book Features: Builds on the classic book Understanding by Design, written by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe. Offers a practical, nontechnical presentation appropriate for teacher preparation and busy practitioners (K–16). Explores different purposes for, and methods of, classroom assessment and grading. Addresses assessment of academic standards as well as transdisciplinary outcomes, such as 21st-century skills. Describes the principles and practices underlying standards-based grading.

Table of Contents:
Contents (Tentative) Foreword  Introduction 1. Principles of Effective Classroom Assessment Principle #1—Assessment Should Serve Learning Principle #2—Multiple Measures Provide More Evidence Principle #3—Assessments Should Align with Goals Principle #4—Assessments Should Measure What Matters Principle #5—Assessments Should Be Fair Conclusion 2. An Assessment Planning Framework Begin with the End in Mind Classroom Assessment and National Content Standards Purpose and Audience Matter Classroom Assessment and Statewide Accountability Testing Conclusion 3. Assessment Methods Selected Response Brief Constructed Response Performance-Based Assessments Process-focused Assessments Conclusion 4. Evaluating Student Performance Criterion Lists Rubrics Evaluation Roles Conclusion 5. Communicating Assessment Results Communication Methods Grading Principles and Practices Formative Assessment and Feedback Conclusion 6. Classroom Assessment Strategies for Teachers Practice 1. Use assessments to frame learning goals Practice 2: Diagnose before you start teaching. Practice 3: Create an authentic context for performance-based assessments Practice 4: Show evaluative criteria in the beginning Practice 5: Provide illustrative models Practice 6: Offer appropriate choices Practice 7: Provide ongoing feedback Practice 8: Encourage self-assessment and goal setting Conclusion 7. Tips for School Leaders 1. Assess the Staff 2. Conduct a School Assessment Audit 3. Offer Targeted Professional Development 4. Share and Discuss Assessment-Related Articles 5. Develop or Adopt Principles of Assessment and Grading 6. Share Successful Practices 7. Schedule Peer Visitations 8. Design Assessments Collaboratively 9. Examine Assessment Results in Teams 10. Discourage Excessive Test Prep 11. Organize a Voluntary Book Study Conclusion Glossary of Assessment Terms References Index About the Authors