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Assessment literacy
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Assessment literacy is a term used to describe an educator's ability to accurately determine what sort of assessments are effective in the classroom, and how to use those assessments to further refine his or her teaching style. When assessment literacy is discussed, it is important to understand that the primary function of the skill is to use data collected by assessments to improve the educational process. Educators can use data collected from assessments to work more effectively towards Common Core goals, or other goals one may have as an educator. Supporters of assessment literacy believe that tests are one of, if not the most, important tools a teacher can use to educate students. One of the most common arguments against emphasizing assessment literacy is the idea that too much focus is placed on testing, de-emphasizing other elements of a student's education.[1][2][3]
With the advent of the No Child Left Behind Act, standardized testing became mandatory for all public schools in the country. This naturally led to discussions about whether such tests were in the best interest of students, which ultimately led to discussions about assessment literacy. When discussing standardized tests, proponents believe that such tests provide a fair, objective assessment of student knowledge and scholarship. Opponents believe that the results of such tests, even when analyzed properly, promote narrow curricula and encourage teachers to "teach to the test." As a result of such debate, discussions of assessment literacy tend to be about whether tests themselves are helpful to students, rather than how best to use tests.[3]
While assessments may not always be considered a priority by educators, supporters propose that there are several objective benefits to being assessment literate:
- Meaningful feedback allows students to improve upon their own learning.
- When used properly, assessments can identify almost any shortcoming in the learning process.
- Student self-assessment gives students the chance to be responsible for their own education.
By using effective assessments regularly, educators can greatly improve student learning and performance.[2]
External links
- Slideshare.net, Assessment literacy presentation
- OnCue journal, "Are you assessment literate?"
- "Assessment literacy makes for better learning"
Footnotes
- ↑ http://portal.battelleforkids.org/Ohio/professional-practice/assessment-literacy Battelle for Kids, "Assessment literacy," accessed August 5, 2015]
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Education.com, "Assessment literacy in today's classroom," accessed September 3, 2014
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 ProCon.org, "Standardized tests," accessed August 4, 2015
