Who:

What: The K-12 Assessment Team will work
            collaboratively to

1. Write new assessment policies and procedures for PUSD.
2. Support the implementation of the K-5 Assessment Study
   Team recommendations:

• Establish a comprehensive, coherent, and continuous assessment system based upon research

• Suspend District administration of all non-mandated tests temporarily for the purpose of establishing a review process of District assessments.

• Establish procedures to build and maintain District assessments.

• Provide research-based learning opportunities to develop assessment literacy in all persons affected by the assessment and evaluation system.

• Employ technology systems to efficiently manage and communicate information about student progress and dynamically administer assessments.

How:
 

Through collegial discussions, an analysis of the work of the K-5 Study Team, and a review of the research on assessment, the K-12 Team has endorsed the above recommendations for implementation K-12 and has built a shared vision for a research-based assessment system for PUSD.

To support implementation of that vision, the K-12 Team has written the new PUSD Assessment Policy and is developing protocols for building an Assessment system that balances the externally required standardized testing with classroom-based, instruction-embedded, assessments FOR learning.

The specific focus for the 2004-2005 school year includes:

• Applying the assessment protocols developed by the Team to specific local assessments

• Identifying professional growth opportunities that will extend assessment literacy and support assessment best practices

• Extending assessment conversations to parents and students in ways that will increase their knowledge of assessment and their understanding of the PUSD Assessment Policy

• Continue to engage classroom teachers and site administrators in two-way communication to inform the work of the K-12 Team.

Rationale:
 

A well-developed assessment system requires the careful and prudent deployment of different types of assessments, thereby creating a matrix of measures that are coherent and coordinated.  Assessments OF and assessments FOR learning are essential components of that matrix. 

When effectively employed, assessments FOR learning are integrated with instruction; providing on-going feedback to learners and teachers.  Research confirms the central role of assessments FOR learning as support to student learning. 

As representatives of their colleagues, the teachers and administrators on the K-12 Assessment Policy Team are committed to objectively employing procedures that will build a research-based assessment system for PUSD.  Through this effort, the K-12 Team will invite professionals to share effective assessment practices and work with colleagues to update assessment and instruction integration. 

The work of experts in the field and the results of assessment related research will continue to inform the work.  An important first stage focus will be "Assessments FOR Learning."  Over time, and with the assistance of all members of our PUSD community; classroom teachers, site and district administrators, parents, students, and our community at large, assessment practices will ensure the district's forward movement from GOOD to GREAT.