Informing Assessment Policy Webinars

NCME "Informing Assessment Policy" Webinars

Date/Topic Presenters/Facilitators More Information

February 22, 2024

Around the World of Accountability in 80 Minutes: An Overview of Educational Accountability in Other Countries

Panelists:

  • Norman Emerson
  • William Smith
  • María Teresa Flórez Petour

Discussant:

  • David Rutkowski

Watch the recording here

This webinar will provide an informational panel discussion highlighting the diversity of educational accountability systems in several countries. Discussion will include the policies and practices of other countries related to school autonomy, equity, and student performance.

School accountability is one of the most controversial recent reforms taking place in education systems around the world. Differences in opinion exist of whether and which accountability practices affect equity and performance in academic achievement. Are these differences related to differences in policy and practice? Are they related to context and cultural? Or is it in the interpretation of the data where these differences lie?

Understanding that the complexity of culture, community values, and interpretation of success and improvement are within the context of the society, a high level of overview of different accountability systems offers a different lens for evaluating the impact of policy and practice on student performance. Examining the accountability systems of other countries could open the door to new ideas for How is local autonomy impacted?

February 8, 2024

The U. California Regents’ Test-Blind Decision

Panelists:

  • Wayne Camara, LSAC
  • Wenyuan Wu, Californians for Equal Rights Foundation
  • Richard Phelps, Nonpartisan Education Group

Watch the recording here

College admission test-optional policies can affect test development firms’ sales because some proportion of students will avoid the tests if they’re only applying to test-optional schools, and they judge from experience or practice testing that they will score poorly. With a test-blind policy, a college does not even consider admission test scores. Especially in a large state like California, the many students applying only to state colleges lack any incentive to take the tests.

In 2020-2021, the Regents of the University of California System of ten campuses voted unanimously to adopt a test-blind policy despite the recommendation to continue admission test use of an exhaustively thorough study by UC faculty. How did this happen? Did the Regents consider the faculty study? Did the Regents believe admission testing critics’ arguments - admission tests are racist, correlated only with socioeconomic status, etc.?

Regardless of what the U. Cal Regents did, what should testing scholars do now? The traditional approach of writing even-handed, deeply empirical scientific studies seemed to have no effect whatsoever in California. What led to these outcomes in CA and will empirical research have any influence in similar debates about admissions testing across higher education? Is California an exception or is it, as many have long argued, a trendsetter? What data do we have about the efficacy of test optional policies and their impact on diversity, fairness, and academic quality of admitted classes?

January 25, 2024

AI K-12 Implications & Policy Considerations

Presenters:

  • Adam Garry, StrategicEDU Consulting
  • Maggie Beiting-Parrish, U.S. Department of Education

Moderator:

  • Elda Garcia, National Partnership for Imagine Learning

Watch the recording here

This session will provide an overview and update on the dynamic landscape of artificial intelligence in K-12 education and assessment with a specialized focus on policy considerations. It will deliver the latest on Generative AI, unraveling its implications for K-12 educators, students, and the key decision-makers at the state and local levels who shape its ethical application. Dive into the nuanced considerations at federal, state, and local levels as AI continues to evolve and refine its capabilities. From classrooms to school administration, research, and testing, AI is set to transform the educational landscape. The big question is, how quickly can we adapt, and how well can we prepare for this monumental technological advancement. The session aims to empower educators and their supporters to seize the opportunities presented by AI while navigating and mitigating potential risks in the ever-evolving landscape of AI in education.

February 16, 2023

Assessment Policy Update

Panelists:

  • TBD

Moderator:

  • Elda Garcia, National Association of Testing Professionals

Watch the recording here

National policy experts will provide attendees with key updates and insights on federal assessment policy, state implications, and recommendations for advancing key topics. They will leave attendees with critical policy topics and issues specific to the assessment and accountability of historically marginalized students, considerations, challenges, and implications for state departments, researchers, and local leaders, as we all work to advocate for sensible policies.

February 2, 2023

Balancing the Needs of Informing Instruction, Equity, and Accountability During the Transition to Through-year Assessment

Panelists:

  • Trudy Clark, Nebraska Department of Education
  • Tammy Howard, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
  • Scott Marion, Center for Assessment
  • Vince Verges, Florida Department of Education
  • Shelley Loving-Ryder, Virginia Department of Education

Moderator:

  • Regina Lewis, Maine Department of Education

Watch the recording here

A panel discussion focused on the progress of several states’ transition to through-year assessment, the usefulness of the resultant data for informing its diverse demands. This session will provide the opportunity to hear from those in the midst of transition to a model attempting to reconcile the diverse set of challenges and demands of state assessment.

January 19, 2023

Media Coverage of Educational Testing

Panelists:

  • Catherine Gewertz, Center for Assessment
  • Tim Schwab, Freelance Journalist
  • A.P. Dillon, North State Journal
  • Richard Phelps, Nonpartisan Education Group
Moderator:
  • Kyndra Middleton, Howard University

Watch the recording here

A panel of veteran journalists and media researchers will discuss: How does education journalism these days really operate? How closely does it match its own standards and ideals? What advice can we give to those working in educational testing for working successfully with the press?