September 2005 — Industry Perspective
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Test Bias or Real Differences?
If measured differences in achievement are a function of learning, and if our society hopes to eliminate these differences, it seems necessary to probe deeply into learning. Validity is defined too narrowly if it focuses solely on measuring the right thing in the right way—if it focuses only on the correct answer. Now, validity must also address how a student arrives at a wrong answer and ways that information can be used to assist with learning. Our energy must shift from separating students into groups who have learned and those who have not. It must move to a profound exploration of each student’s individual learning path. Reaching this goal will allow us to fully understand the real differences in student learning that are the root cause of the nation’s achievement gap.
Margaret A. Jorgensen is senior VP of product research and innovation for Harcourt Assessment (harcourtassessment.com), with responsibility for the research and conceptual design of innovative new products.
Forum Touts Cutting-Edge Assessment Practices
Harcourt Assessment (harcourtassessment.com) and T.H.E. Journal are sponsoring the 2005 Midwest Assessment Forum from Oct. 20-21 in Evanston, IL, adjacent to Northwestern University. The forum will provide ways to transform your school’s assessment scores, implement innovative programs, and show improved progress in student learning. Highlights of this year’s forum include roundtable discussions; breakout sessions on such topics as grants and funding and formative assessment strategies; and meetings on data-driven decision-making initiatives, students achievement in low-performing schools, and NCLB-related assessment issues and strategies. Speakers featured at the forum include top industry experts such as CoSN’s Irene Spero, Alan Endicott from the US Department of Education, and the University of North Alabama’s Mark Edwards. Registration for the forum is $199. For more information, call (800) 572-5373 or visit harcourtassessment.com/haiweb/Cultures/en-US/Events/ Midwest+Assessment+Forum.htm.
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