A Public Policy Statement
The Gordon Commission is a group of distinguished scholars and educational leaders who examine educational assessment policy, practice, and technology. The commission looks to “produce a vision for assessment that is fair and beneficial to improving U.S. education and which will advance technology to improve educational measurement and student achievement.” This Public Policy Statement includes recommendations concerning education and its assessment. It is directed at policymakers in recognition of the crucial role they play in deciding what assessments will be required.
This public policy statement provides a series of thoughtful and well researched recommendations for future assessment use and development. It also stresses the need for all assessments to promote learning that is relevant and important for success in the 21st century, for assessments to be part of an assessment system, and for formative assessment to be given greater emphasis within this system.