Don't Stop Believing That:

All types of assessment can be valid and reliable. Using multiple sources of data will provide a more balanced view of students’ skills and knowledge.

Formative assessment is the essential foundation (mother lode) of all assessment in that it makes learning visible and continually monitors progress- just like drilling for diamonds.

Assessments that engage students in actions and thoughts will result in better learning outcomes: Research shows that students shut down and lose focus during long selected choice tests or sitting for a long time doing anything for that matter.

Progress monitoring and scaffolding of learning is relevant for all learners: Does anyone become a great cook without the advice of experts?

Common Core Standards can be embedded in all types of assessment: It is essential to measure more than the Core. Pilots don’t get their license by passing only a written exam on the instrument panel.

High quality local assessment is just as important as annual large scale tests: Fill your toolbox with a variety of measures.

Growth is more important than the final score. Learning in the classrooms is not an Olympic sport. Even Olympians are given opportunities to improve.