Science Assessment in the Service of Reform

This volume explores current policies, theory, research, and practice in science assessment. It presents useful material to make assessment a tool for the meaningful reform of school science. Leading authors summarize current knowledge and research on science learning and testing, including examples of programs currently in use in several important states. The chapters provide examples of innovative test items for classroom use and state assessment programs, and present information on new assessment technologies including computer-based approaches. Finally, the authors make recommendations for future policy and research directions for science and mathematics assessment and test development. Special coverage includes: *both background information and theoretical perspectives and examples of research on alternative assessment strategies; *a focus on equity issues relevant to science assessment; *a discussion of how the recent changes not only in teaching and learning but in national and state policies imply the need for new approaches to assessment; *information on assessment in the context of hands-on science teaching, inquiry, cooperative learning, and other process-oriented teaching strategies; and *important chapters offering an international perspective such as a historical review of assessment in Europe and examples from current assessment approaches in England.