“Assessment has really tried to serve so many purposes in education, from trying to make sure resources get aligned in the right place for the right learners at the right time to supporting educators trying to understand how to unlock the next instructional moment. This is because assessment can give us a lot of information–it’s one of the most powerful levers we have in education [to make informed teaching and learning decisions]. However when assessment is used improperly, it can lead to decisions that close doors for opportunity for learners all across this nation,” highlights Dr. Temple Lovelace, Executive Director of Assessment for Good, one of AERDF’s flagship programs, in a recent episode of the Teaching Matters Podcast, from NPR.
The power of assessment was at the heart of the conversation between Dr. Lovelace and Dr. Scott Titsworth. Together, they explored the possibilities of formative assessment, the implications of high-stakes testing, and innovative approaches to assessment—including the uses of AI and machine learning—that prioritize learner-centered practices.
To best support students to thrive in school and lead in our rapidly changing world, we need accurate and understandable information about student learning as it happens, not just the moment they’re sitting taking a test. Listen to the episode to be inspired by new ideas on how assessment can be an invaluable tool that helps maximize the growth and potential of all learners.
