How should students be assessed?
Expert blog by National Journal
The Education Department unveiled final regulations last week for its $350 million assessment grant competition. A component of the $4.35 billion Race to the Top program -- the Obama administration's signature education initiative -- the competition aims to "create a new generation of tests that measure critical thinking skills and a broader range of content." To compete for the money, states must form groups and apply as consortia; applications are due June 23 and the winners will be announced in September. According to Education Week, the rules make clear the administration's desire to shift away from multiple-choice testing in favor of more sophisticated methods of evaluating students. (more...)