Assessment Debate

In this comprehensive review of the wealth of techniques by which students can be assessed, Valerie J. Janesick points out that the politics of schooling often gets in the way of student progress. "High-stakes" standardized testing is frequently based on poorly constructed, unfair tests that encourage "teaching to the test," which actually impedes educational goals.

Authentic testing relies more on essays and writing samples, performances, demonstrations, and role-plays. Although it is fairer and provides a measure of student growth and progress, it requires more effort by teachers, who also require extra training. Besides discussing authentic assessment in detail, The Assessment Debate includes a chronology, an annotated directory of organizations supporting performance assessment, a list of state coordinators for testing reform, and state-by-state report cards.

An authoritative reference on one of education's hottest topics, describing how the latest testing and assessment tools can be used to help improve student performance.

School Library Journal

Gr 10 Up-The core of each of these titles is a well-written, cogently argued point of view. In her introductory chapter, Gouwens identifies and defines what she means by migrant children, the conditions they face, and the quality of their schools. She follows this information with an extensive discussion of the historical efforts and problems in serving this population, the programs that are in place for them, and some exemplary programs. She offers recommendations for improving the quality of educational services to migrant children and concludes with an annotated list of agencies and organizations that assist them. Assessment focuses on the movement, begun in the 1980s, to reform testing procedures in schools. Janesick strongly asserts that "typical" assessment methods (i.e., standardized tests) are grievously flawed and that alternative methods, particularly those based on student portfolios, represent authentic assessment. She makes an excellent, passionate case that is well documented. Both of these reference handbooks present only one side of the debate, despite subtitles that might suggest otherwise. However, they include substantial annotated bibliographies for book and other resources. School and public libraries will want these volumes for students and professionals exploring some of the central issues in education today.-Linda Greengrass, Bank Street College Library, New York City Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.\