Hi everyone.
The following post comes from David Rosen. It concerns an upcoming event on the Special Topics List that may be of great interest to program leaders who are concerned about the alignment of quality instruction and assessment in the adult basic/literacy/ESOL classroom. Enjoy!
 
Peggy McGuire, M.A., 
Senior Research Associate, National Consultant, and
NIFL-Program Leadership and Improvement List Moderator
Center for Literacy Studies
The University of Tennessee
111 5th Street, PO Box 16
Mount Gretna, PA  17064
717-964-1341 (landline/fax)
215-888-6507 (cell)
mmcguire at utk.edu

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Colleagues,

In preparation for celebrating International Literacy Day, on 
September 5th-7th the Special Topics Discussion List is pleased to 
welcome  Ms. Janet Looney representing the Organisation for Economic 
Co-operation and Development(OECD).  Janet is the leader of the 
Centre for Educational Research and Innovation program known as What 
Works in Innovation in Education. Its current focus is formative 
assessment.  The discussion will serve to introduce some of OECD's 
work in international education. The primary focus of the discussion 
will be on the value of formative assessment for promoting higher 
levels of learner achievement, greater equity of outcomes, and the 
development of "learning to learn" skills.

Not a term widely known in the U.S., formative assessment refers to 
what teachers and learners do in the classroom to assess learning 
progress.  An assessment is _formative_ when information gathered in 
the assessment process is used to modify teaching and learning 
activities.  It's an assessment _for_ learning  not just _of_ learning.

Between 2002 and 2004, the What Works program explored formative 
assessment in lower secondary classrooms in eight international 
systems [see Formative Assessment: Improving Learning in Secondary 
Classrooms (2005)].  OECD will publish a second study addressing 
formative assessment for adult basic skill learners in 2007.

Together, the two studies are intended to strengthen understanding of 
effective approaches to lifelong learning.

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT IN LOWER SECONDARY SCHOOLS

While many teachers incorporate aspects of formative assessment into 
their teaching, it is not often practiced systematically.  The What 
Works study, Formative Assessment: Improving Learning in Secondary 
Classrooms (2005), features exemplary cases from secondary schools in 
eight systems and international research reviews, and relates these 
to the broader policy environment.  The study shows how teachers have 
addressed barriers to systematic practice, and how school and policy 
leaders may apply the principles of formative assessment to promote 
constructive cultures of assessment and evaluation throughout 
education systems.

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT IN ADULT BASIC SKILL PROGRAMS

Formative approaches may be particularly appropriate for adults with 
basic skill needs, the focus of the current What Works study.  
Instructors using formative approaches are able to tailor instruction 
more closely to the needs of diverse adult learners.  Formative 
approaches also place an explicit focus on identifying and building 
upon learners' prior knowledge and skills - whether gained in formal 
education settings, or informal work or other settings.

The OECD study on "Improving Teaching and Learning for Adults with 
Basic Skill Needs through Formative Assessment" , now underway, is:

1. Developing studies of exemplary teaching and assessment practice 
for adults with basic skill needs
2. Bringing together international scholarship on teaching and 
assessment for adults with basic skill needs
3. Identifying effective policy levers for improving the quality of 
provision in the adult basic skills sector, and
4. Creating opportunities for policy officials, researchers and 
practitioners to exchange insights and ideas on promoting effective 
teaching, assessment and evaluation.

We look forward to your subscribing to this three-day discussion.  To 
do so, go to:

http://www.nifl.gov/mailman/listinfo/SpecialTopics

David J. Rosen
Special Topics Discussion List Moderator
djrosen at comcast.net
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