Reframing Assessment to Center Equity

“We often lament the paucity of thoughtful, research-informed pedagogical strategies that meet the needs of our diverse student population. Diversity of thought and practical solutions are noticeably absent and often lead to inequitable student outcomes. Reframing Assessment to Center Equity: Theories, Models, and Practices strategically infuses equity into the assessment conversation. As a college President, I recommend this book to all practitioners who are sincere about using the assessment of student learning as a vehicle for equity in higher education.”

Roslyn Clark Artis

President and CEO, Benedict College

“Reframing Assessment to Center Equity offers a bold vision coupled with a rich collection of practical perspectives and approaches to transform assessment into a device for dismantling systemic inequities in higher education. The authors skillfully invite assessment professionals into a dialogue about equity-centered practice. Then offer resources to engage in self-awareness, principles and models for practice, and the encouragement to act, to turn the belief that ‘equitable assessment is what good assessment looks like’ into reality.”

Jillian Kinzie

Associate Director of the Center for Postsecondary Research, Indiana University Bloomington

"This is a must-read for anyone grappling with the connections between assessment and equity/social justice. This substantial volume provides a range of insights that beautifully move between the philosophical and the practical. It is like a fantastic road trip with amazingly committed people through the ideas, practices and challenges facing assessment and equity/social justice. The richness emerges from engaging with diverse voices and perspectives and the rich landscape of ideas and possibilities made possible."

Jan McArthur

Senior Lecturer in Education and Social Justice, Department of Educational Research, Lancaster University

“Much of the richness of this well-researched volume comes from the diverse perspectives offered by the editors and authors. They bring their personal and professional lives to the work. The “why, what, how, and now what” organization of the material allows readers to gain historical perspective, appreciate the current state of affairs, consider strategies to support equity in assessment, and most importantly, to reflect on how we can individually influence positive change.”

Jane Marie Souza

Associate Provost for Academic Administration, University of Rochester

"Never before have we faced such an urgent need to make sure every college student receives the best possible education—a truly equitable education. And equity in assessment is essential to equity in education. In Reframing Assessment to Center Equity, some of our most distinguished assessment scholars and practitioners offer compelling thinking and practical suggestions on how to ensure equity and fairness in our higher education practices, with a particular focus on equity in assessment.”

Linda Suskie

Higher Education Assessment Consultant

“Assessment practitioners are change agents. The very design of assessing for learning implies that what is learned from the process will create a need for change and improvement. But what if the assessment work is not fair and equitable? What if we unintentionally create or continue a system that works against fairness and inclusivity? Reframing Assessment to Center Equity is foundational to how we think about assessment as a tool for positive and responsible change.”

Catherine M. Wehlburg

Provost and VPAA at Athens State University