Skip to main content
Start of main content

Content Details

ED466492 - Assessment and Accountability. PREL Briefing Paper

Category
Executive Agency Publications
Collection
Education Reports from ERIC
SuDoc Class Number
ED 1.615:
Date Issued
November 1, 2000
Author
Burger, Don
Source Institution
Pacific Resources for Education and Learning, Honolulu, HI
Sponsoring Agency
Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC
Publication Type
Numerical/Quantitative Data - - Reports - Evaluative
Subject
Accountability, Educational Assessment, Educational Improvement, Elementary Secondary Education, State Programs, Test Interpretation, Test Use, Testing Programs
Abstract
llAccountabilityll and I1assessment1l 'are terms that are frequently misused and misunderstood. This document is intended to stimulate conversations about assessment of and accountability for student learning, to raise assessment issues that may prevent improved student learning, and raise awareness about the relationship between assessment and accountability. Different assessment tools and strategies for establishing and maintaining accountability are outlined. While the main topic of the document is accountability and assessment, curriculum and instruction are integral parts of the education process, and are addressed as appropriate. The term "assessment" is used to describe the process of determining what students know and how well they can apply it. The paper discusses various kinds of tests and the relationship between classroom tests and state assessments. Some implications for policy makers are outlined, including the need to use data to challenge assumptions and beliefs about students, programs, and learning.