Since my last post, several people have asked what I meant by my claim that virtually every decision related to the operation of state testing programs since 1990 has made equating more difficult. In this post, I make my case and discuss whether in the calculus of equating state tests we are approaching our limit.
Author Archives: Charlie DePascale
Fundamentals and Flaws of Standards-Based Testing
I am excited to use this week’s blog post to introduce my new book, Fundamentals and Flaws of Standards-Based Testing: Lessons Learned Across Three Decades in Educational Assessment, published by and available from Routledge.
A Commitment To Communicate
Andrew Ho, in his NCME presidential address, defended his use of metrics such as weeks, months, and “years of learning” citing what he dubbed as “the accuracy-engagement tradeoff” while asking “Can good communication enable better accuracy and engagement?” My response, as Andrew suggested is the answer to all such questions, is “It depends.”
A Tip Of The Cap To The Other Teachers
Each year during teacher appreciation week I enjoy reading all the testimonials to those remarkable teachers who had a profound impact on people’s lives. But what about all of the other teachers toiling in the classroom. This teacher appreciation week, let’s show them a little love, too.
Go Home, Frank. Go Home.
While joining the rest of the world in mourning Pope Francis, there has also been another Francis weighing heavy on my heart and mind these past two weeks. A few days before Pope Francis passed away, my cousin Frank succumbed to the aggressive form of brain cancer he had been fighting these past few months.
Watching for White Smoke, Waiting for a Call
At some point in the next few weeks, my church is going to select a new leader. If called upon, I will serve to the best of my ability. If not, I will do the same.
A Mile In My Shoes
This week, turning 66, it’s shoes that are on my mind. As the poet said, we are shaped by the lessons of humanity taught to us by our elders and will be known forever by the tracks we leave. In my case, a lot of those lessons and tracks they helped shape involve shoes.
Nothing Is Certain Except Tests and Taxes
Happy Tax Day! April 15. That one day each year that Americans are focused collectively on a massive, state-run, data collection enterprise. Seems like the perfect time to reflect on that other state-run data collection activity in which we are all so engaged; that is, PK-12 state testing.
DEI – Putting Our Best Foot Forward
Just about three years ago, with large-scale testing already under attack, the field embraced DEI as recompense for past sins and a pathway to relevance. Now, just as we are starting to take our first tentative steps, the concept of DEI itself is under attack. How do we, as a field and assessment community stand tall?
Suffering Fools Gladly
It was fun when April Fools’ Day came once a year. But what do we do to survive when every day feels like April Fools’ Day, when you’re sure that virtually every report, post, or announcement must be a joke.
Embrace the Absurd 