[NLA] Discussions: alternative assessments

[David J. Rosen]

Gloria,

Could you tell us more about Ohio's portfolio system?  Is there a Web
site which describes it and gives examples of how it is used?  Are all
Ohio adult education programs using this now?  Is this a model you would
recommend to other states?

David J. Rosen
<djrosen at massed.net>

Gloria Gillette wrote:

>     In addition to Equipped For the Future (EFF), what states,
> initiatives
>      or organizations are developing valid and reliable assessments
> that fit
>      adult learners' goals? Is any state actually using such
> assessments now?
>
> Ohio is. We have a uniform portfolio system that is being used
> statewide and is in the process of being validated through the Ohio
> State University.Gloria Gillette ----- Original Message -----From:
> David J. Rosen <djrosen at massed.net>To:
> <nla at lists.literacytent.org>Sent: Saturday, October 27, 2001 12:04
> PMSubject: [NLA] Cross-post from NIFL-Assessment on alternative
> assessments > NLA Colleagues,
> >
> > The NIFL-Assessment post below, a reply to the post below it, raises
> an
> > important policy point (one made before on this list by
> Massachusetts
> > State ABE Director, Bob Bickerton,) that current federal policy
> allows
> > the use of assessments which are not standardized tests if they can
> be
> > shown to be valid and reliable. Few states, however, are taking
> > advantage of that opportunity.  And even if states are developing
> > alternatives, driven by accountability for numbers, limited in
> knowledge
> > about these assessments, and lacking time to use them, practitioners
> may
> > fall back on the often easier-to-use standardized tests -- even if
> they
> > know these are not valid, e.g. not related to their students' goals.
>
> >
> > Does this matter?
> >
> > Yes. If programs are held accountable to results from standardized
> tests
> > which do not fit with what adult learners and programs are trying to
>
> > accomplish, then the most important learner gains or outcomes may
> not be
> > measured, and successful programs will not shine.  Eventually, if
> > funding decisions are based on standardized test results which do
> not
> > fit curricula designed to meet learner or program goals, programs
> will
> > tailor their curricula to the tests, making adult education and
> literacy
> > less relevant to students.  It would be unfortunate and ironic that
> in
> > the name of increasing standards and accountability -- because we
> lack a
> > good set of valid and reliable assessment options for our field --
> > programs may teach to these tests and, in doing so, may lower their
> standards.
> >
> > In addition to Equipped For the Future (EFF), what states,
> initiatives
> > or organizations are developing valid and reliable assessments that
> fit
> > adult learners' goals? Is any state actually using such assessments
> now?
> >
> > David J. Rosen
> > <djrosen at massed.net>
> >
> >
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