Deeper Learning 2017

New methods of assessment are key to supporting deeper learning. Participants in this session will co-create “systems of assessments” that embed ten principles of new era educational assessments. The session will offer a framework within which participants will share their experiences, challenges, and aspirations for a high quality system of assessments. The term “new era” means that current models of assessment have proven useful in some ways but do not necessarily support deeper learning well, nor do they address equity issues. The notions of normal distributions and cut scores are not always conducive to enabling all students to reach the high levels of performance necessary for success in a complex, dynamically changing society and economy. New era assessments draw on multiple measures and combine low and high stakes measures to paint a more comprehensive picture of the learner. In fact, new era assessment is centered on the learner and the learner’s needs first and foremost. This is the first principle of new era assessment. If learners do not find the assessment worthwhile, engaging, and relevant, then the assessment is not very valid. In this session, participants will describe the ways in which their efforts to create and implement high quality assessments address the ten principles of new era assessment developed by Dr. David Conley. In the process, examples of high quality new era systems of assessment at the state and local levels will be introduced and discussed. As a result of this session, participants will have a framework they can use to judge how well their classrooms (or schools, districts, states) are developing systems of assessment that embed the ten principles of new era assessment. They will also receive peer and expert feedback on their assessment strategies and what they could be doing to generate student profiles that capture a wider range of information on readiness for college and careers.