A Word From the Director

This month, the Center is focusing on the topic of academic assessment. Are you looking for a new assessment or questioning your assessment procedures? Is your State considering a move toward a common test? Have you ever wondered what is meant by “validity” and “reliability”? The resources featured on the site this month are intended to help educators and administrators of youth who are N or D answer a variety of questions related to selecting and administering academic assessments and using the results for program improvement. » more

Do you have your own questions about assessment or other Title I, Part D issues? Join NDTAC for its next Webinar on Pre-Post Assessments on April 18. Stay tuned to NDTAC's Events page for more information.

Other Features

Event Proceedings Report

NDTAC is pleased to present the Event Proceedings Report from the January 8-9, 2006 Title I, Part D Training Session sponsored by OESE’s Student Achievement and School Accountability Programs, U.S. Department of Education. The report can be viewed by clicking here.

Upcoming Events

Tuesday Talk
Join Center Co-Director Joyce Burrell for her monthly Q&A session (4/4/06).

NDTAC Webinar: Pre-Post Assessments

NDTAC will be joined by Ms. Karen Denbroeder from the Florida Department of Education to discuss pre-post testing and how Florida adopted a common assessment for its Title I, Part D program (4/18/06).

See NDTAC's Events Calendar for more information.

Coming Attractions
Stay tuned for other topics from NDTAC including Literacy, Family Involvement, and Mentoring.

If you experience any problems with the links or appearance of this newsletter, go to the online version. To send comments or suggestions to NDTAC, send an e-mail to NDTAC@air.org.
 

In This Issue

A Word From the Director

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A Brief Guide to Selecting and Using Pre-Post Assessments

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Assessment Toolkit: Measuring Student Academic Performance

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A Look at Legislation: Common Pre-Post Assessments

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A Brief Guide to Selecting and Using Pre-Post Assessments

NDTAC’s new guide provides basic information about the ideal characteristics of a pre-post test and highlights important features to consider when requesting and evaluating information from test publishers.

» more
 

Assessment Toolkit:  Measuring Student Academic Performance

NDTAC's newest toolkit has two sections, one that is specifically tailored for State administrators and another that is designed for local program managers. The toolkit also features interactive electronic tables and graphs to help track progress over time. » more
 

A Look at Legislation:  Common Pre-Post Assessments

Realizing the importance of adequately evaluating and reporting the academic performance of youth involved in the juvenile justice system and the value of consistency between facilities, some States have mandated for the use of a common or preapproved pre-post assessment test for Title I, Part D facilities and programs. This piece examines legislation in both Florida and California that is designed to improve program accountability through consistent evaluation of students’ academic achievement in facilities and programs for youth who are N or D. » more

Reading List: Balancing Local Assessment with Statewide Testing: Building a Program that Meets Student Needs (2000)

In this article, Rabinowitz and Ananda outline the role of State and local assessment, essential features of local programs, and the steps local policymakers and stakeholders should consider when developing local assessment systems. They also pose key questions for local officials to ask themselves as they determine the necessity and usefulness of performance assessments. » more