New York Formative Assessment Technical Assistance Study

Introduction to the Study

The Comprehensive Center system is designed to support states with challenges associated with implementation of NCLB-based policies and/or in meeting NCLB-related goals. Within this system, the AACC’s primary focus is to support the regional comprehensive centers with guidance and technical assistance in the areas of assessment and accountability. Through the regional centers, services to address emerging needs are delivered to states and/or districts.

The NY Formative Assessment Technical Assistance Study is a pilot study that weds expertise at the national, regional, state, and district levels. Specifically, it is a collaborative effort among the Assessment and Accountability Comprehensive Center (AACC), the New York Comprehensive Center (NYCC), the New York State Education Department (NYSED), and Syracuse City School District (SCSD).

This project’s goals are as follows:

To develop capacity within the comprehensive center system in providing technical assistance;
To provide guidance and technical assistance to help regional, state, and district leaders make informed decisions about effective data use that are focused on state and local needs and goals;
To train staff at different levels (region, state, district) to assume leadership roles in the area of formative assessment; and
To build capacity at the state and district levels to ensure sustainability of the initiative.

The AACC brings to this project expertise in the areas of technical assistance, data use, and formative assessment, while the NYCC provides experience in customized, district-level support. The intent is to apply this knowledge and experience so that over time the NYSED and the SCSD build capacity in these areas.

Selected materials generated through this ongoing study are provided below and will be updated as the study progresses. It is hoped that these may be adapted by researchers and/or technical assistance providers in developing other projects. Also included are recommended resources related to data use and formative assessment.

New York Formative Assessment Technical Assistance Study Resources

Readiness Factors: Criteria for Evaluating a District's Level of Preparedness for a Formative Assessment Pilot Study (PDF)

Useful Data for Planning Technical Assistance Strategies (PDF)

Other AACC and external resources related to technical assistance for state accountability systems

New York Study Effective Data Use and Formative Assessment Resources

Heritage Power Point Presentation on Data Use (PDF)

Recommended Resources (PDF)

Balancing Local Assessment with Statewide Testing: Building a Program That Meets Student Needs (PDF)

Other AACC and external resources related to data use and formative assessment