Policy & Practice

Based on research and best practice, these resources help state education agencies (SEAs) review and implement new and revised content standards.

Peer Review for State Assessment Systems

  • Measure student achievement in reading/English language arts and mathematics in grades 3–8 and at least once in high school.
  • Measure student achievement in science at least once in grades 3–5, 6–9, and 10–12.
  • Measure the English language proficiency of all English learners in the state
  • Include assessments that are aligned with the full range of state academic content standards.
  • Include assessments that are valid, reliable, and consistent with relevant, nationally recognized professional and technical standards.

Each state must submit evidence of how the state develops and administers statewide assessments, as well as data and evidence confirming the technical quality of the state’s assessment system. Evidence is submitted to demonstrate how a state’s assessment system corresponds with each of seven critical elements:

  • Statewide System of Standards and Assessments
  • Assessment System Operations
  • Technical Quality – Validity
  • Technical Quality – Other
  • Inclusion of All Students
  • Academic Achievement Standards and Reporting
  • Locally Selected, Nationally Recognized High School Academic Assessments

The seventh critical element – Locally Selected, Nationally Recognized High School Academic Assessments – is only applicable to states who are using such an assessment as part of their statewide system.

The peer review process is conducted by external assessment experts, state and local assessment directors, and educators. During the peer review process, reviewers will examine state-submitted evidence and gauge how well each state meets each critical element. Reviewers will share these notes with ED for decision-making, and ED will provide formal feedback on its review and decision with each state.

Spotlight last updated September 30, 2019.

The NDDPI English Learner Program participated in the English Language Proficiency Assessment Peer Review through the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) in 2019. As the Program Director and a first-time peer review participant, I reached out to WestEd in hopes of gaining their guidance on the process. The technical assistance provided was nothing short of outstanding! Their expertise taught me so much about navigating the process, using concise content, and effectively formatting the submission. Working with WestEd was enjoyable and comfortable. They showed excellent professionalism and patience when answering ANY of my many questions which helped me develop a deeper understanding. They took the lead on the timeline and were very efficient, organized, and accountable. When problems came up on my end, they were very flexible and supportive. I genuinely appreciate the support and look forward to the opportunity to work with WestEd again in the future. I definitely recommend WestEd to anyone in need of SEA technical assistance.”

Lodee Arnold
Assistant Director of English Learner Programs, 
North Dakota Department of Public Instruction

CSAA Support Resources

Reports and guidance found below can support state education agency staff and technical assistance providers as they prepare for peer review submissions.

Assessment Peer Review: Critical Elements Analysis Chart

This resource analyzes the information contained in the decision letters issued by ED on each state’s assessment system. The Critical Elements (CE) Analysis chart – available as an Excel file download – allows users to compare feedback received in assessment peer review decision letters across states and/or CEs for which additional documentation was requested.

Peer Review and State Assessment Administration: A Resource for State Assessment Directors

This resource provides insight into peer review requirements and how states might demonstrate their assessment practices meet these requirements. Links to resources and state examples are included to enhance understanding of how to implement and document assessment practices that meet peer review requirements.

Guidance for Supporting Assessment Peer Review Submissions

This document describes and supports the submission development process. It includes suggestions for collecting, analyzing, and cataloguing documents that might address the Critical Elements states must meet. A description of the process states must follow when submitting their peer review submission is also included.

To accompany this document, the Peer Review Evidence Organizer supports catalogue documentation for peer review submissions and how each addresses a Critical Element. States might use this tool to organize documents and develop text for the state peer review submission.

Peer Review Assistance

This resource provides an overview of the peer review process, including required critical elements. It also contains information on how CSAA can support states in documenting how each critical element can be addressed and met, and lists resources states can use to support the documentation process.

State Use of ACT–Peer Review Results

These briefs provide an overview of the feedback the U.S. Department of Education (ED) provided to states that administered the ACT as part of their statewide assessment system. To administer the ACT, states need approval from ED to ensure peer review requirements are met.

  • This April 2017 brief summarizes the feedback given to Wisconsin and Wyoming; two states who provided early indication of ACT use.
  • This September 2019 brief summarizes the feedback given to seven states that planned to administer the ACT as part of their statewide assessment system.

Peer Review of State Assessment Systems Outcomes Report

These reports summarize decision letters previously sent to states regarding the peer review of state assessment systems – including identification of the Critical Elements for which states needed to submit additional evidence.

  • This July 2017 report provides a summary of 37 state decision letters.
  • This September 2019 report provides a summary of the decision letters previously sent to all 50 states.