Finding the Connections: Linking Assessment, Instruction, and Curriculum in Elementary Mathematics

Jean Moon and Linda Schulman offer practitioners a new approach to assessment-one that is comprehensive, practical, and interactive. Recognizing the process-oriented nature of alternative assessment, they contend that the more we "do" alternative assessment, the more we learn about it. Their book encourages and enhances that "doing" process.

Finding the Connections emphasizes the conceptual links among assessment, instruction, and curriculum, focusing on classroom practices in grades K-6. It provides a model for integrating assessment with instruction; ideas for communicating with parents, students, and administrators; and guided opportunities to practice and reflect upon the assessment process. By sharing their experiences, the authors also help readers develop their own assessment methods.

Classroom teachers, mathematics educators, mathematics specialists, curriculum developers, administrators, and other practitioners interested in the general field of assessment will find this book essential reading.

Jean Moon is currently on leave from Lesley College to work as Advisor for Education Programs for the ExxonMobil Foundation. She has directed numerous teacher professional development projects throughout the years and has served as lead principal investigator on many evaluation studies in K-12 mathematics and science education. Moon has written a number of articles on alternative assessment.

Linda Schulman began her career as an elementary school teacher. She is currently a professor of education and mathematics at Lesley College in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Recognized as a leading author of innovative supplementary materials for the teaching of mathematics, Schulman has coauthored more than seventy student books, teacher resource guides, and problem decks. At present, her work focuses on helping teachers transform their notions of learning and teaching mathematics through investigations and authentic assessment strategies.