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Development of even better technology-enhanced items—items that enable highlighting text as evidence to support an answer or graphing of mathematical functions—happens every year. Soon, science assessments will contain interactive, manipulable environments as well as the animated demonstrations...

I have seen this myself over the course of the last three years, having observed nearly 200 classrooms and interviewed teachers across 10 different U.S. states, as well as in Mexico and Egypt. In that time, I have seen and discussed approximately 100 PBAs covering any number of topics. While I...

We know we can measure what kids learn. We know we can measure the teaching and learning factors that determine whether schools are effective. The challenge lies in knowing how assessment and school quality come together to inform and guide improvement efforts in a way that helps a child learn...

James Popham (2007) identified a key premise in using test results to inform instructional practice. “The premise underlying the use of these accountability tests is that students’ test scores will indicate the quality of instruction those students have received.” However, in most cases,...

I’m talking about both state accountability testing and local testing—i.e., district, school, and classroom. The reason I’m addressing both is because I’ve seen the significant impact the former can have on the latter. In their own testing, local educators often mimic the kinds of tests that...