Special Topics Discussion List Colleagues,

On Tuesday, Janet Looney will join us from Paris to answer questions  
about the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development  
(OECD) formative assessment studies. In preparation, you may wish to  
look at the OECD Thematic Review of Adult Learning - a two-part study  
exploring policies on qualifications, pathways for progression and  
other issues in adult learning.  These documents  are downloadable at  
http://www.oecd.org/edu/adultlearning .
Please also look at at "Formative Assessment: Improving Learning in  
Secondary Classrooms" and "Formative Assessment: Improving Teaching  
and Learning for Adults with Basic Skill Needs" at  http:// 
www.oecd.org/edu/whatworks . And if you would like to learn more  
about the OECD Education Directorate a .pdf brochure will be found at  
http://www.oecd.org/edu/brochure

This will be an opportunity to begin a discussion, that can continue  
on the Assessment discussion list, of formative assessment practice  
in the U.S.

Meanwhile, let's hear your questions.  Here are some I have already  
anticipated:

For Janet:

1. What is OECD and what does it do?
2. How does OECD's work include or affect what happens in the U.S.?
3. What is "formative assessment" and why is OECD interested in this?
4. Why has OECD embarked on a study addressing formative assessment  
for adult basic skill learners?

For subscribers:

1. Are you involved in a program which actively engages in formative  
assessment?  If so, tell us about your practice.  What do teachers  
and learners look at? How are data from formative assessment used to  
improve the learning process?
2. What do you think is the right mix of formative and summative  
assessment?
3. How did you learn how to do formative assessment?

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