Ahead of the Curve: The Power of Assessment to Transform Teaching and Learning

Finalist: Foreword Magazine Book of the Year Award
Finalist: AEP Distinguished Achievement Award 2008
This anthology brings the ideas and recommendations of many of the worlds education leaders into one resource that illustrates the many perspectives on effective assessment design and implementation. From involving students in the assessment process to ensuring accuracy and applying assessments to English learners and students with special needs, you will find compelling insights and proven strategies.
Benefits: Learn three important ways you can change your approach to assessment to improve student learning. Implement a recommended sequence for designing common formative assessments. Discover how to design a comprehensive approach to classroom assessment. Study the four keys to assessment quality: clear purpose, clear targets, accurate assessment, and effective communication. Consider eight guidelines for transforming your grading system to a standards-based system. Integrate a purposeful, collaborative approach to data collection and analysis. Understand the role leaders play in defining, supporting, and instituting effective practice.

Contents:
Introduction: From the Bell Curve to the Mountain: A New Vision for Achievement, Assessment, and Equity
Section One: Classroom Assessment
Chapter 1: Using Assessments to Improve Teaching and Learning
Chapter 2: Involving Students in the Classroom Assessment Process
Chapter 3: Assessment for Learning: An Essential Foundation of Production Instruction
Section Two: System-Level Assessment
Chapter 4: Common Formative Assessments: The Centerpiece of an Integrated Standards-Based Assessment System
Chapter 5: Designing a Comprehensive Approach to Classroom Assessment
Chapter 6: The Last Frontier: Tackling the Grading Dilemma
Section Three: Assessment Challenges
Chapter 7: The Journey Toward Effective Assessment for English Language Learners
Chapter 8: Crossing the Canyon: Helping Students With Special Needs Achieve Proficiency
Section Four: Assessment Leadership
Chapter 9: Content Then Process: Teacher Learning Communities in the Service of Formative Assessment
Chapter 10: Data on Purpose: Due Diligence to Increase Student Achievement
Chapter 11: Challenges and Choices: The Role of Educational Leaders in Effective Assessment
Epilogue: Once Upon a Time: A Tale of Excellence in Assessment