Regional Comprehensive Center Support
AACC Resources
Resources developed or co-developed by the AACC to help regional centers and states improve their assessments and accountability systems.
Overview of Selected State Assessment Systems (Download PDF)
This 2009 overview surveyed statewide assessment reform in four broad categories, 1) content-standards-based assessment, 2) interim and benchmark assessment, 3) formative and classroom assessment, and 4) online or computer-based assessment. The AACC provided national and technical expertise to the collaborative state survey requested by the Wisconsin Next Generation Assessment Task Force. Innovative assessment practices were identified in nine states with important lessons for all states and the school districts they serve. The AACC provided technical input and review to the Great Lakes West Comprehensive Center for this document.
Summary of U.S. Department of Education Science Decision Letters Alternate Assessment/Alternate Achievement Standards (Download PDF)
January 25, 2009
Reviewed Resources
Includes knowledge (frequently research reports), products and tools, guidance, and services that are recommended by an expert committee. The rating form and method are aligned to ratings from other comprehensive content centers. A comprehensive glossary provides many additional details about the AACC rating process.
National Education Writers Association Website – Reporter Stories
Author/Provider: National Education Writers Association
Resource Type: Product or Tool & Knowledge
Cost: Free
Length: Varied
Website: http://www.ewa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=resources_k12_testing
Resource Summary: On this Webpage, EWA provides a wide array of resources for education reporters and writers, specifically on the topic of testing. These resources are also helpful to parents and policymakers. Here you will find summaries of research for context, sources to ask questions of, reporters' stories to get ideas of how to cover the issue, and key publications.
Full Citation: Education Writers Association: Testing. http://www.ewa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=resources_k12_testing
Selected Reviewer Comments: "I found the articles of considerable value as both news and updates of what is happening in education testing." "I think the content of many articles are of high relevance, if not critical relevance to our audiences…they are free and the few minutes it takes to scan or review an article could be very well spent." "This website offers a fairly comprehensive collection of non-scholarly articles as well as comprehensive reports from a wide range of sources. The site is well-organized and easy to use."
Education Week: Spotlight on Assessment Website
Author/Provider: Education Week
Resource Type: Product or Tool
Cost: $4.95 for 9 articles
Length: Varied
Website: http://www.edweek.org/ew/marketplace/products/spotlight-assessment.html
Resource Summary: The Education Week Spotlight on Assessment is a collection of articles hand-picked by Education Week editors including the following topics: classroom evidence of learning, formative assessment, computer-adaptive testing, the promises and challenges of open-ended test items, and the debate over standardized testing.
Full Citation: Education Week: Spotlight on Assessment. http://www.edweek.org/ew/marketplace/products/spotlight-assessment.html
Selected Reviewer Comments: "Timely and relevant information that has the potential to be used effectively." "Although topic coverage could certainly be broader, these easy-to-read articles are well-written, informative, and contain important content." "Typically, I have found the EdWeek publications very user-friendly, practical, and relevant, especially for staff development." "The cost is competitive with other journals…and new information is posted and available regularly."
Formative Assessment Systems: Evaluating the Fit Between School Districts' Needs and Assessment Systems' Characteristics
Author/Provider: Matthew Militello, Jason Schweid, and Stephen G. Sireci
Resource Type: Knowledge
Cost: Subscription to SpringerLink required (through an institution or personally)
Length: 24 pages
Website: http://www.springerlink.com/content/l77872u56713t736/
Resource Summary: This study describes how districts search for and acquire formative assessment systems to meet their needs. It focuses on three school districts that adopted three different formative assessment systems. The findings suggest the fit between a system’s characteristics and a school district’s intended use is the most important consideration in instituting a successful formative assessment system that will have a positive impact on teacher education and student learning.
Full Citation: Militello, M., Schweid, J., & Sireci, S.G. (2010). Formative assessment systems: evaluating the fit between school districts' needs and assessment systems' characteristics. Educational Assessment, Evaluation and Accountability, 22(1), 29–52. Retrieved from http://www.springerlink.com/content/l77872u56713t736/
Selected Reviewer Comments: "Findings are incredibly useful for anyone developing or buying a formative assessment program for their school." "This resource is a must read for all organizations considering implementation of an assessment system." "A quick read, with enough details to apply to individual districts' situations."
