TestBetterTeachBetter Cover 9/15/03 2:35 PM Page 1 Education $24.95 U.S. The right kinds of tests, correctly applied, can help every teacher become a better teacher. But unless you know the nuts and bolts of effective test design and application, you may find yourself collecting the wrong data; misinterpreting data; and drawing off-base conclusions about what students know and can do, what to teach next, and how effective your instruction has been. In Test Better, Teach Better, assessment expert W. James Popham explores the links between assessment and instruction and provides a jargon-free look at classroom and large-scale test construction, interpretation, and application. Featuring sample items, testing tips, and recommended resources, this “crash course” in instructionally focused assessment includes VISIT US ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB: http://www.ascd.org ◗ The advantages and disadvantages of various test formats and experience-based rules for creating great items in each. ◗ The benefits of assessing student affect and guidelines for doing it in your classroom. In addition, Popham offers practical advice for dealing with today’s myriad testing targets and explains how standards-based achievement tests currently don’t (but could) provide both accountability evidence and useful instructional information. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development Alexandria, Virginia USA POPHAM ◗ What you really need to know about measurement concepts like validity, reliability, and bias. ◆ ◗ The four types of instructional decisions that testing will illuminate. TEST BETTER, TEACH BETTER: THE INSTRUCTIONAL ROLE OF ASSESSMENT The Instructional Role of Assessment W. James Popham The Instructional Role of Assessment Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development • Alexandria, Virginia USA Popham-Teach Better front.qxd 2/9/2005 9:51 AM Page ii Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development 1703 N. Beauregard St. • Alexandria, VA 22311-1714 USA Telephone: 800-933-2723 or 703-578-9600 • Fax: 703-575-5400 Web site: http://www.ascd.org • E-mail:
[email protected] Gene R. Carter, Executive Director; Nancy Modrak, Director of Publishing; Julie Houtz, Director of Book Editing & Production; Katie Martin, Proje