Making Assessment Matter

Using Test Results to Differentiate Reading Instruction

Nonie K Lesaux author Sky H Marietta author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Guilford Publications

Published:11th Jan '12

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Making Assessment Matter cover

All too often, literacy assessments are given only for accountability purposes and fail to be seen as valuable resources for planning and differentiating instruction. This clear, concise book shows K-5 educators how to implement a comprehensive, balanced assessment battery that integrates accountability concerns with data-driven instruction. Teachers learn to use different types of test scores to understand and address students' specific learning needs. The book features an in-depth case example of a diverse elementary school that serves many struggling readers and English language learners. Reproducible planning and progress monitoring forms can be downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2 x 11 size.

This is one of the strongest and most engaging books I have ever read. It speaks directly to teachers about issues that are meaningful to them. I love the book's focus on code- and meaning-based skills, assessment, and instruction. Lesaux and Marietta provide the tools for teachers and schools to bring these ideas to their classrooms. Especially appealing are the realistic examples and the careful scaffolding of assessment practices. I work in high-poverty, low-performing schools on a routine basis, and this book needs to be in the hands of teachers and principals in these schools. It will make a difference to student learning. I would also use the book in my undergraduate course on early literacy and my graduate course on assessment.--Diane M. Barone, EdD, Foundation Professor of Literacy Studies, University of Nevada, Reno

I wish this book had been available 12 years ago when I first began to work on a whole-school change process. It is an important, uniquely helpful resource that I highly recommend to literacy leaders, coaches, and administrators as a road map for effecting literacy improvement through sensible alignment of assessment and instruction. The authors have managed to capture the complex nature of reading and reading difficulties, while not making the discussion complicated! I especially appreciated the focus on providing high-quality classroom instruction (for the good of the whole class) while acknowledging the individual needs of specific students. The respectful tone and clear recommendations for more deliberate instruction will make this book a welcome addition to the library of anyone committed to improving reading for all students.--Marjorie Y. Lipson, PhD, Professor Emerita of Education, University of Vermont

Lesaux and Marietta clearly know what it is really like in schools and classrooms today. They offer a balanced perspective on assessment that acknowledges the realities of high-stakes testing while keeping students’ learning needs the central focus. The book provides a systematic way for teachers and administrators to make the shift from assessment of learning to assessment for learning. The approach presented here is doable and realistic.--M. Susan Dee, MSEd, classroom teacher, Biddeford, Maine-

ISBN: 9781462502462

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 296g

143 pages