Our Work: Standards and Assessment
Assessment
Assessment is one of the most talked about and least understood topics
in education. McREL is known for its research on the various types of assessment
(formative, benchmark, and summative) and their application to individual
student instruction and school improvement.
Classroom assessment & grading
Many experts agree that assessment is most effective
when seamlessly woven throughout instruction. Sound classroom assessment,
while challenging, has the potential for powerful positive impacts on student
achievement. McREL experts use the latest research and a relevant approach
to take the mystery out of the purposes and types of assessment. We show
teachers how to develop formative assessments and provide them with practical
guidance for improving all of their classroom assessment techniques in
order to help students achieve standards.
Developing formative assessment items
Teachers, schools, and even districts often
do not have the resources to develop formative assessments. McREL can
develop formative assessment items that support ongoing learning at the
local and classroom level and track progress toward success on state
and national tests. Our experts address all content areas and grade levels
and work with you to provide quality assessment items aligned with local
instruction and state standards.
Technical assistance & consulting
Is your district or state faced with complicated
technical issues around topics such as developing and implementing common
assessments, selecting quality assessments, or integrating and analyzing
data? McREL provides practical technical assistance and consulting to build
district and school capacity to develop, implement, and evaluate assessment
practices. From the proper use of state administrated high-stakes tests,
to ongoing classroom assessment, McREL will help you ensure the assessment
practices are valid,
reliable, free from bias, and a valuable piece of your instructional program.
You can count on McREL’s assessment experts to conduct careful analysis,
give objective guidance, and provide assistance and training regarding
all assessment issues, from the big picture to the minute psychometric
detail.