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Measuring Up: What Educational Testing Really Tells Us

Orson Scott Card

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Measuring Up Book On A Desk With Graphs In The Background Measuring Up: What Educational Testing Really Tells Us

Measuring Up: What Educational Testing Really Tells Us

by Daniel M Koretz

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3382 KB
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Print length	:	364 pages

In an era where educational testing has become ubiquitous, it is imperative to critically examine its purported benefits and potential pitfalls. Measuring Up, a thought-provoking book by renowned researcher Robert J. Sternberg, offers an in-depth analysis of the complex world of educational testing.

Through meticulous research and engaging writing, Sternberg challenges conventional wisdom and provides a nuanced understanding of how educational tests are developed, administered, and interpreted. Measuring Up is an indispensable resource for educators, policymakers, parents, and anyone interested in the future of education.

The Promise and Perils of Educational Testing

Educational testing serves as a cornerstone of modern education systems, promising to provide objective measures of student achievement and facilitate informed decision-making. However, Sternberg cautions against blindly accepting the validity and reliability of educational tests.

He argues that many tests are biased against certain demographic groups, fail to measure important aspects of learning, and can lead to narrowed curricula and high-stakes anxiety. Measuring Up emphasizes the need to approach educational testing with a critical eye, considering its limitations and potential consequences.

Unveiling the Complexity of Measurement

Sternberg delves into the intricate world of measurement in education, revealing the complexities of designing and implementing effective assessments. He explains the different types of tests, including standardized tests, classroom assessments, and performance tasks, and their respective strengths and limitations.

Drawing on empirical research and case studies, Measuring Up challenges the notion that educational testing provides a complete picture of student learning. Sternberg advocates for a holistic approach to assessment that considers multiple dimensions of development and incorporates qualitative and quantitative methods.

The Role of Accountability and High-Stakes Testing

In many educational systems, high-stakes testing has become the norm, with significant consequences for students, teachers, and schools. Measuring Up examines the impact of high-stakes testing on teaching and learning, and the potential for it to exacerbate educational inequality.

Sternberg argues that while accountability is essential, it must be balanced with a focus on educational quality and equity. He proposes alternative approaches to accountability that prioritize student growth, collaboration, and professional development.

Moving Towards Informed Decision-Making

Measuring Up concludes by emphasizing the critical need for informed decision-making regarding educational testing. Sternberg calls for a collaborative effort among educators, researchers, policymakers, and the public to develop fair, valid, and meaningful assessments.

The book provides practical recommendations for improving educational testing, including using multiple measures of student achievement, considering the impact of testing on diversity and inclusion, and fostering a culture of assessment literacy.

Measuring Up is an essential read for anyone concerned about the role and impact of educational testing. Robert J. Sternberg's incisive analysis and thought-provoking insights offer a much-needed perspective on this complex and contentious issue.

By challenging conventional wisdom and promoting a nuanced understanding of educational testing, Measuring Up empowers readers to make informed decisions about the future of education. It is a timely and invaluable contribution to the ongoing dialogue about how we measure and assess student learning.

About the Author

Robert J. Sternberg is a renowned cognitive psychologist and educational researcher. He is University Distinguished Professor of Human Development at Cornell University and former President of the American Psychological Association. Sternberg has authored over 1,500 books, articles, and chapters, and his groundbreaking work has earned him numerous awards and accolades.

Measuring Up: What Educational Testing Really Tells Us

by Daniel M Koretz

4.3 out of 5