Using Assessments to Teach for Understanding: A Casebook for Educators

Written by both new and veteran teachers, these cases provide a powerful opportunity to collaboratively analyze and reflect on issues such as: the role of assessment in teaching and learning; designing, using, and interpreting assessments that foster student learning; and incorporating assessments into standards-based instruction. Aspiring and practicing teachers will find inspiration and challenging ideas to help them prepare for the reality of today's classrooms, including: -- How to make time for meaningful teaching amidst the push for higher test scores -- How to construct guidelines for performance-based assessment -- How to engage children in self-assessment and appreciation of their own progress -- How to find the information and support needed to sustain one's commitment to effective work with children and families. This much-needed guide features authentic voices and experiences from elementary, middle school, dual language, and special education classrooms and spans different content areas across the curriculum.