Assessment As it should be A New path for Oregon

Kathleen Sundell KSundell@Oregoned.org

What we are doing with assessment is fundamentally flawed What we are doing with assessment is fundamentally flawed. We need to create a path to using assessments correctly. Dr. Rick Stiggins

What Does your vision of a perfect assessment system look like? In your small group: • Select a recorder and reporter • Brainstorm and chart • Reporter will share out with larger group

Why now? Unproductive use of resources Unmet information needs Students are Discouraged Unproductive use of resources Unmet information needs Lack of opportunity to develop assessment literacy Proposed misuse of annual test scores in educator evaluation

Oregon’s Theme… Leave the current system Build a new system Educators and stakeholders become assessment literate Every Oregon student can reach his or her full potential

New Oregon system of assessment will: Increase time for learning Emphasize the use of assessment in support of learning Empower students and teachers Increase assessment literacy among educators, parents, broader community Make assessment more efficient by making sure assessment and instruction are aligned

Ideal system, makes sense for all… No single quality of assessment can meet all needs Must balance assessment sources Continuous evidence from classroom assessments Periodic evidence supplied by progress monitoring/interim assessment Results of annual assessment

Guiding Principles All assessments must arise form and serve a clear purpose Must be designed and developed to reflect developmentally and academically appropriate learning targets Must accurately reflect student learning Results communicated to intended user Use assessment to encourage students to keep striving for success

Goal to open doors to possibilities… Moving away from over-emphasis of summative standardized tests Renew focus on the classroom Create a foundation of and ongoing support for assessment literacy

What Does your vision of a perfect assessment system look like? In your small group: • What three things in the Oregon proposal resonated the most? • Review your vision. How does your values and beliefs guide the work? • Does your vision contain these?

Assessment for learning is a gift we give our students Assessment for learning is a gift we give our students. It is a mirror we hold up to show them how far they have come. It is a promise that we will use assessment, not to punish or reward, but to guide them on their learning journey. Chappuis (2009)