By: Thomas Guskey and Lee Ann JungStandards, assessments, grading, and reporting provide the foundation for nearly every initiative in modern education reform. But what do these terms actually mean—and what changes in each area will bring about the improvements teachers and school leaders want to see? The authors collect the essential questions that stymie educators, and give each one a short, simple, jargon-free response. Perfect for new teacher induction or professional learning on Common Core Standards initiatives, this book offers: a vocabulary and frame of reference to share with other educators; an understanding of effective implementation in standards, assessments, grading, and reporting; and specific ideas for purposeful action. Organized in a unique, accessible Q&A format, this easy-to-use guide gives educators the common ground they need for successful improvement efforts. 

Using Classroom Assessment to Maximize Student Learning   (Second Edition )By: Lorna M. EarlHigh-stakes tests and end-of-year assessments dominate educational planning and curriculum. Formative assessments have proven to have the most impact on day-to-day learning.  Using assessment to spark learning can unlock a powerful educational tool, and Assessment as Learning can show you how. Using clear explanations this book illustrates how formative assessment can be used to understand student beliefs, inform classroom instruction, and encourage student reflection. Fully revised, this second edition features: discussion of the complex nature of learning; ways to use formative assessment in a variety of contexts; real-life examples and case studies of assessment in action; sample rubrics and lesson plans for easy implementation; and insights into common classroom dilemmas along with viable solutions.

One Tool Doesn't Fit All  (Second Edition)By: Carolyn Chapman and Rita KingIn this second edition, the authors provide research-based and practical formative assessment tools, strategies, and activities that simplify the process of identifying students' strengths and needs. There is a new chapter on ways to engage learners in self-assessment; more tools for assessing before, during, and after learning; and approaches to help students take ownership of their own learning. Included are surveys, checklists, questionnaires, assignments, graphic organizers, portfolio work samples, rubrics, and more. The final chapter pulls it all together and shows how to integrate formative assessment to improve student achievement. 

By: John BarellHow do we measure students' inquiry, problem-solving, and critical thinking abilities so that we know they are prepared to meet the challenges of the 21st century? The author explains how inquiry leads to problem-solving and provides specific steps for pre, formative and summative assessment that informs instruction of 21st century skills.  Included are examples that show how to use today's technology in the classroom and how to use inquiry to develop and assess students' ability to: think critically and creatively; collaborate with others; become self-directed learners; and develop a sense of leadership, responsibility, and global awareness. The text provides frameworks for monitoring students' progress and guidelines for communicating with parents. Teachers will find examples from all grade levels that show how to observe and assess students' growth in their development of 21st century capacities.