Experts agree that the effective use of formative assessment processes in every classroom could be a key to unlocking the potential of each student.
Our research and development team has decades of experience in the examination, development, and field testing of resources to equip educators in this area.
Current Research and Development Topics
Formative Assessment for Michigan Educators (FAME)
MAC researchers and developers engage in ongoing development and evaluation of resources used in the FAME program—an exciting professional learning initiative sponsored by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) that promotes teacher collaboration and planning for effective formative assessment practice.
Research Studies
The FAME Research, Evaluation, & Development (R,E&D) Team, under the leadership of Dr. Tara Kintz, conducts research and evaluation activities with coaches and learning teams, as well as on teacher and student use of formative assessment practices. Their ambitious research agenda includes participant surveys, field observation, and evaluation reports, as well as case studies of FAME implementation.
Resource Development
The FAME R,E&D Team also adds value to the FAME program by investing extensive time and energy in developing and refining existing and new resources to be made available to FAME participants. These resources empower FAME participants to deepen their understanding and use of formative assessment.
Professional Learning
The FAME R,E&D team also develops new professional learning strategies and resources, including those that help returning FAME Learning Teams deepen their understanding and use of the formative assessment process and provide advanced learning for long-term FAME teams.
Assessment for Learning Community
The Michigan Assessment Consortium hosts the Assessment for Learning Community to allow educators and researchers a forum in which to learn together and support one another in the implementation of the formative assessment process.
Who it’s for: Open to state- and local-level local leaders, researchers, and practitioner teams advancing the formative assessment process.
How it works:, The AfLC hosts virtual convenings approximately 4–5 times per year, co-facilitated by internationally recognized experts Margaret Heritage and Carolyn Wiley.
What participants gain: practical implementation resources, cross-state exemplars, and collaboration with peers.
Get involved: Inquire below to express interest about participating in AfLC.
To learn more about the MAC’s Research and Development work, contact Tara Kintz at (tkintz@michiganassessmentconsortium.org.
Our resource bank contains additional materials and resources to support educators in the effective use of assessment.