WestEd’s content and assessment experts are available to conduct standards-to-standards alignment studies, which provide: findings to meet rigorous evidence requirements, such as federal peer review guidelines; and key feedback that contributes to quality content standards. This service is available for a range of grade levels and content areas.
WestEd’s Curriculum‐to‐Standards Alignment Studies
WestEd’s content and assessment experts are available to conduct curriculum-to-standards alignment studies, which provide: findings on the alignment between local curricula and state content standards, and key feedback that contributes to quality standards-based curricula. This service is available for a range of grade levels and content areas.
Assessment Leadership
A comprehensive, balanced assessment system and a culture of effective evidence use do not emerge by accident. They take capable leadership to build. Assessment leadership is essential for building a comprehensive, balanced assessment system and fostering the conditions in which meaningful assessment data can be used to produce improved learning outcomes at all levels of an education system, including the classroom, school, and district. Developing this kind of assessment system requires leaders who can articulate and implement a vision and culture that supports sound assessment practices.
This brief provides district and school leaders with guidance on developing core competencies of assessment literacy to support the development and implementation of a comprehensive and balanced assessment system.
Quality Expectations and Development Considerations of Item Clusters Assessing Multidimensional Science Standards
A number of effective approaches and strategies related to the measurement of multidimensional science standards have emerged through early development efforts of large-scale assessments. This paper discusses several key considerations for designing and developing effective next generation science assessments, including an exploration of the quality expectations and development considerations that help support development.
The Two Percent Solution: Weighing Value against Burden in Statewide Standardized Assessments
In October 2015, President Obama announced an initiative to balance the use of assessments in schools. Done well and thoughtfully, assessments are tools for learning and promoting equity. They provide necessary information for educators, families, the public, and students themselves to measure progress and improve outcomes for all learners. Done poorly, in excess, or without clear purpose, assessments take valuable time away from teaching and learning, draining creative approaches from our classrooms. This session included a discussion of the President’s initiative and share existing tools and resources states and districts can use to evaluate their assessments, including key questions to guide your work. In addition, we will provide examples from states that are working to streamline their state and local assessment systems.
2015 CSAI Annual Conference: The Scores Are In, Now What?
CSAI held its annual conference on December 10–11, 2015 at WestEd’s San Francisco office. During this one-and-a-half day conference, CSAI staff and attendees discussed states’ needs regarding instruction, assessment, accountability, and communication following the 2014–15 assessments. Sessions focused on providing support for regional and content centers, and the states and regions they support, in the midst of policy and system changes.
Links to presentation materials and handouts can be found on this page.
Coherent Assessment Systems Supporting College and Career Ready Success
Joan HermanThis session shared a framework for standards-based systems of assessment, which states and local districts can use to reduce overtesting and promote college- and career-ready success attainment.
Making Sense of the New Summative Assessments
Bridging the Gap Between Assessment and Improving Teaching and Learning
Transforming Science Instruction and Assessment
Achieving College- and Career-Ready Success with Formative Assessment
Barbara Jones and Sandy Chang
This session introduced new curriculum and instruction resources for creating and refining lessons to support CCRS success.
Considerations for English Language Learners
Sandy Chang
This session shared key practices and resources that teachers can use to help English learner students achieve college- and career-ready success in their classrooms.
Understanding and Responding to the Department’s Testing Action Plan and Peer Review
The State Perspective on Revising Testing Systems