Assessing for Deeper Learning
Measuring student readiness for postsecondary education, career, and life requires assessments that go beyond content knowledge and enable students to demonstrate deeper learning skills. No single assessment or piece of student work can capture the array of student knowledge and skills needed for success, however, a system of assessments can provide information about what students know and can do.
A high-quality system of assessments measures student mastery of deeper learning skills and academic content knowledge by combining one or more of the following assessment styles:
- Performance items or tasks as part of traditional “sit-down” tests;
- Curriculum-embedded tasks carried out in the classroom during the school year;
- Portfolios or collections of evidence that display a broad set of competencies;
- A combination of traditional sit-down tests, curriculum-embedded tasks, and portfolios and exhibitions leading to a student defense.
Assessment systems can empower…
Teachers and Leaders
Teachers and Leaders
To make informed decisions on instruction, learning strategies, and support for each individual student.
Students and Families
Students and Families
To advance students’ own learning and help families make the best decisions to support their child’s educational trajectory towards success in college, career, and life.
Policymakers and Stakeholders
Policymakers and Stakeholders
To identify and advocate for district-, state-, or nation-wide policies and programs that are advancing student outcomes.
State and district leaders at the forefront of designing, implementing, and overseeing assessment efforts can use these ten principles as guidance as they evolve the current array of assessments into a high-quality system of assessments.
A high-quality system of assessments should …
ONE
Capture the array of knowledge, skills, and behaviors needed for college and career readiness (i.e., deeper learning)
TWO
Balance assessment of learning with assessment for and as learning through a comprehensive set of tasks and measures
THREE
Advance equity and be inclusive of and accessible to all students
FOUR
Build educator and school capacity for designing and using assessments
FIVE
Align assessments to support learning and avoid duplication of testing
SIX
Convey clear, coherent, and continuous data on student learning
SEVEN
Include meaningful, ongoing input and collaboration from local communities and diverse stakeholders in the development and continuous improvement of the system
EIGHT
Encourage cycles of review, calibration, and continuous improvement of assessments individually and as a collective system
NINE
Employ high standards of coherence, validity, reliability, and fairness
TEN
Protect data privacy
10 PRINCIPLES FOR BUILDING A HIGH-QUALITY SYSTEM OF ASSESSMENTS
Assessment Resources