Authentic Reading Assessment: Practices and Possibilities

Traditional assessment techniques and standardized tests no longer reflect what's going on in classrooms where reading and writing for real purposes are the norm. "Authentic Reading Assessment" presents nine case studies that demonstrate how the challenge of reforming assessment can be met at the school, district, and state/provincial levels. The studies--written by educators actually involved in efforts to create assessments that match instruction and yield an authentic picture of students' literacy development--are framed by comprehensive introductory and concluding chapters that give the context of and challenges facing the assessment reform movement.

As teachers move toward more holistic approaches to literacy instruction, they are finding that traditional forms of assessment no longer give an accurate picture of what is happening in their classrooms. The need to develop assessments that mirror authentic classroom activities and contribute to learning is fueling a widespread and dedicated movement for reform.

"Authentic Reading Assessment: Practices and Possibilities" includes nine case studies describing new assessment efforts, written by educators active in their development. From classrooms in Australia to a school district in Canada to statewide projects in the United States, these efforts are producing innovative techniques and exciting results with implications for all levels and audiences. But these projects are very much works in progress, approaches that are changing and expanding as their developers learn more about how authentic assessment can work in the classroom, district, and beyond. In the commentaries that follow each case study, literacy professionals add to the exchange of ideas that will broaden understanding of assessment issues and focus the reform effort. Comprehensive introductory and concluding chapters examine the background of and future challenges facing authentic assessment.

Assessment has long been a problematic issue for educators at all levels; successful reform will depend in large part on the sharing of information and ideas about new approaches. The volume's editors "hope this book will encourage you to enter into the exchange."