External interim and summative assessments are from sources external to the classroom such as the state or a commercial test publisher. External assessments are typically designed for the identification of students or curricular areas needing additional attention, program evaluation, and school accountability.
In this lesson you will be introduced to:
- the utility of external assessments;
- common concerns about external assessments and how to respond to them in your own practice;
- the limitations of performance level reporting;
- recommended activities and resources to deepen your understanding and use of external assessments.
Suggested Resources
- Expectations of State Assessments: More Information from Shorter Tests by Dr. Stuart Kahl
- Proficient, Eligible to Graduate, College Ready? The Mystery of Achievement-Level Assessment Results by Dr. Stuart Kahl
- How Middle School Mathematics Teachers Use Interim and Benchmark Assessment Data by Shepard et al. (CRESST)
- Study Says Standardized Testing is Overwhelming Nation’s Public Schools (Washington Post)
Lesson Supplements
- Facilitator Guide to help you build the capacity of others using this video lesson.