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.