RE: Question 3: Assessment-What's in the Plan

The draft Plan includes a number of recommendations related to assessing learning needs and student achievement. The Assessment ( http://www.info-ren.org/network-democracy/camp/bb/plan/achievement.shtml#needs  ) section, for example, spells out critical transition points for students as they move through school, and Recommendation 21 ( http://www.info-ren.org/network-democracy/camp/bb/plan/achievement.shtml#rec21 ) relates to classroom-level assessment. Recommendation 4 ( http://www.info-ren.org/network-democracy/camp/bb/plan/access.shtml#rec4 ) covers assessment of teacher preparedness.

Recommendation 28 ( http://www.info-ren.org/network-democracy/camp/bb/plan/accountability.shtml#rec28 ) focuses more broadly on state assessment: "The State should establish a system of regularly reported indicators for K-12 accountability and improvement." Sub-recommendations 28.1-28.7 ( http://www.info-ren.org/network-democracy/camp/bb/plan/accountability.shtml#rec28.1 ) suggest other indicators that should be used in addition to the K-12 Academic Performance Index (API) including an "Opportunities for Teaching and Learning Index" to report on the resources available to schools and evaluate the effectiveness of programs for young children. They also suggest evaluation, planning, and intervention activities that could help the state to promote greater accountability.

The draft Plan asserts that the state should monitor all levels of the educational system (student, education personnel, school, district, state education agencies, legislature, and governor), using indicators that measure the effectiveness of each level (PreK-16) in meeting its responsibilities. This should enable the public to "hold policymakers and governing bodies accountable for providing the commitment, policy mechanisms, resources, and conditions necessary to a high-quality system of education, as well as to hold schools, educators, and students accountable for the outcomes that result." Information is needed about all schools, not just those that are low-performing.