Response to a common set of questions on how best to use tests in an accountability system
I received a note the other day with an inquiry. It contained five question. I took the opportunity to craft a response I’ll share below, since I get these sorts of questions a lot. Here were the questions: 1. How can a standards based adaptive assessment used throughout the year be one tool used for accountability purposes? 2. If an assessment covering a set range of standards is used throughout the school year, what other factors need to be considered to more effectively determine if students are reaching developmentally appropriate learning targets? 3. Content mastery and student progress on state standards measure student proficiency towards specific items. How should student work samples, portfolios, or other student level artifacts be used as an indication of a school’s ability to develop independent young adults? 4. In terms of accountability, what value is there in communities creating annual measurable goals aligned to a 5 year strategic plan and prog...