Educational Assessment：Four Principles to Consider

by Michael H. Kean, Ph.D.

Vice President of Public and Governmental Affairs

As the nation searches for ways to improve student achievement, educators and policy makers continue to evaluate and reform their education systems. Educational testing, or assessment, is a key component of all education systems. Assessments can be used to monitor educational systems for public accountability; help improve curricula; evaluate the effectiveness of teaching and instructional practices; measure student achievement; and determine a student's mastery of skills. Although educational testing is a complex field, there are several basic principles that provide a foundation for further understanding.

Standards, Then Testing

When states and communities set out to reform their education systems, it is imperative that a logical sequence of events be followed toward setting and achieving goals. First, goals for each education system must be set. Second, standards need to be adopted that outline what children should know and be able to do at certain levels. These standards should be written in a way that will help students meet the stated goals. Following the setting of standards, curricula need to be produced that will help teachers help their students meet the standards. And lastly, assessments should be developed to measure students' progress toward meeting the standards. In other words, assessment should follow, not lead, the movement to reform our schools. As we continue to find ways to improve education, it is important for educators and policy makers to stick with a sequence that starts with goal setting and ends

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