Assessment literacy is essential for those making important decisions about students, educators, and educational systems based on student data. Yet, evidence shows that too few educators understand the fundamental concepts and procedures of educational testing. Even fewer policy-makers, students, and families understand the important role of assessment in helping all students achieve at high levels.
The MAC actively engages state and national leaders in exploring what it means to be assessment literate. We continuously develop resources to support assessment knowledge, dispositions, and performance among each education stakeholder group.
Current Research and Development Topics
Assessment Learning Network (ALN)
The MAC’s successful Assessment Learning Network (ALN) will continue to expand in order to increase the assessment literacy of the representatives of Michigan professional organizations.
Highlights for 2018-19 include:
- an updated format for four professional learning engagements
- new video and print resources
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Michigan Learns Assessment System
The MAC is developing learning opportunities for educators through a three-tiered series based on the MAC’s Assessment Literacy Standards.
- In 2018-19, MAC plans to add three to four new Level I introductory Assessment Learning Modules to build on the eight-module foundational set already available at Michigan Virtual.
- The MAC is developing course content for Level II micro-credential courses, along with plans for a pilot in which a cohort of learners will participate in and provide feedback on the micro-credential courses.
- Level III advanced certification is targeted to Michigan educators with a goal to develop and certify assessment specialists for Michigan’s districts and schools. MAC developers are now finalizing the program design and methods for demonstrating competency for Level III candidates.
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Assessment Literacy Demonstration Project
The MAC is working with Northwest Educational Assessment (NWEA) to develop a systemic change model at three diverse sites within the state of Michigan including in-service and pre-service educators and the communities they serve.
The purpose is to improve critical aspects of each ecosystem. This project will create an assessment literate educational ecosystem that fosters a comprehensive understanding of assessment and its role in supporting student success. Partners include University of Michigan-Flint; Oakland University; Northern Michigan University; and K-12 districts or public school academies in Marquette, Hazel Park, and the Flint area.
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To learn more about the MAC’s Research and Development work, please contact Ed Roeber at (517) 816-4520.
Our resource bank contains additional materials and resources to support educators in the effective use of assessment.