Learning to Love Assessment: Unraveling Complexities and Generating Solutions

Learning to Love Assessment: Unraveling Complexities and Providing Solutions provides educators and stakeholders with two very critical components of the current assessment dialogue. One is to understand the historical and legislative components and perceptions that have created the current climate of school accountability measures. The second is to deconstruct these complexities and offer concrete solutions for making classroom assessment an enjoyable, productive, and student-owned endeavor. The bulk of this book focuses on solutions. It offers concrete techniques for educators at all levels to cultivate and implement effective classroom assessment strategies. Over 50 unique strategies for formative, student peer and self-assessment, data dialogues, technological tools, and PBL3 (problem, project and performance-based assessments) are detailed. A special feature of the book includes access to a companion web site that contains links and handouts that coordinate with the various classroom assessment strategies. In addition, each chapter contains reflective pre and post-reading questions so the book can be effectively used to supplement professional learning or educational courses.

Table of Contents:
Dedication Companion Web Site Foreword Justus Randolph, Ph.D. Preface Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter One: Tracing the Historical Roots of Assessment Perceptions Chapter Two: The Complexities of Assessment Voices and Variables Chapter Three: Solution One: Create a Classroom Culture for Student Owned Assessment Chapter Four: Solution Two: Focus on Instructive Assessment Chapter Five: Solution Three: Provide Active Student Ownership of Assessment Chapter Six: Solution Four: Implement 21st Century Assessment About the Authors Index

About the Author :
Sherah Betts Carr, Ph.D., has worked in the educational arena for over 35 years, teaching numerous grade levels and serving leadership roles in P-12 settings. She is currently an associate professor at Mercer University-Tift College of Education teaching and mentoring graduate students. Anaya Bryson, Ph.D., has worked in education for over 10 years-teaching numerous grade levels and content areas. She is currently serving as a lead teacher with Gwinnett County Schools-focusing on mentoring and developing personal efficacy and proficiency for new teachers in the field.

Review :
Carr and Bryson offer a profound break from tradition, seeing assessment in general and classroom assessment literally through new eyes. If there ever was a time when we need to explore exciting new approaches to assessment, this is that time. The good news is that it appears that both educational and political environments are open to new explorations in this domain. The authors pass through that open door in this book with a very practical treatment of classroom assessment seen clearly as the teaching and learning tool it can and must become. This must be our assessment future. Learning to Love Assessment is a great title for an excellent book. Every teacher should have a copy of this volume. It covers topics we all need to know if involved in assessment. It deals with the human concerns about taking tests, and the history of assessment as well. The book would be an excellent text in an assessment class or in a general education class that deals with assessment. It could be used for professional development for teachers in schools. We know that assessment guides instruction, and it is always going to be with us. I highly recommend the book to those involved in this important work. Through historical analyses, syntheses of the latest and most relevant research, application of learning theories, and classroom examples directly connected to teachers’ work with students, the authors skillfully reclaim a fundamental part of teaching that has been unduly influenced by federal legislation over the last two decades, reminding teachers of the essential link between learning and assessment—and how they can maintain a love for both. Learning to Love Assessment provides a myriad of classroom-tested assessment practices that teachers at all levels will find useful and can readily apply to their instructional context. The focus on instructive assessment is cutting edge and illuminates practical ways to deepen students’ understandings and improve their disposition toward learning. Carr and Bryson provide an oasis of ideas for both new and experienced teachers who are searching for assessment methods that enhance academic performance. This is a book I will use for both undergraduate and graduate courses. Carr and Bryson have provided educators with a wealth of solutionsutilizing a variety of assessment techniques to improve teaching andlearning. They understand that assessments are a part of good instructionand that teachers need the right tools to maximize information gained fromformative and summative assessments. With their practiced solutions, theyprovide educators a huge lever that has tremendous potential to unlockachievement gains. A compelling guide for making assessment an informative and empowering process for all stakeholders in an era of high stakes accountability. With important historical context and numerous examples of 21st century assessment practices and resources for their implementation, this book is a must read for educators of today who are committed to facilitating transformational educational experiences for all children.