The Mindful School : How to Assess Authentic Learning

The time has come for poor test-takers to realize that the ability to perform well on examinations is not always an accurate assessment of understanding and academic capability. Standardized tests measure one's ability to perform under stress, not one's ability to learn and retain information. As researchers gain new knowledge about how the brain works and how people acquire understanding, educators are expanding their repertoire of assessment tools. And as communities work toward developing mindful schools, they also must reorient their concepts about curriculum, policies, organization of time, and assessment strategies. Performance tasks, portfolio development, and scoring rubrics are just a few of the assessment tools that are now being implemented to measure learning. In this volume, Kay Burke presents a wide range of alternative forms of assessment in a meaningful and practical format. Learning logs, reflective journals, graphic organizers, interviews, and peer editing are only some of the authentic assessments offered in this book which help learners develop lifelong learning and problem-solving skills. Educators, administrators, school psychologists, curriculum planners, and parents. A Skylight Professional Book."