Alternatives to High-Stakes Tests Discussed at SUNY New Paltz

NEW PALTZ — As communities continue to strive for school performance improvements, assessment methods are often the center of controversy. And, assessments will be the focus of a conference at the State University of New York at New Paltz entitled “Reclaiming Assessment in an Age of Standardization.”

During the conference, to be held on May 2, speakers from throughout the Northeast will discuss effective models of performance-based assessment with teams of teachers and administrators, state level educators, school board members, union officials and community members from the Mid-Hudson Valley Region.

“In a time of test-driven school reform, it’s important for educators and the public to know there are a variety of alternatives to high-stakes tests,” said Nancy Schniedewind, conference committee member and professor of educational studies at SUNY New Paltz. “The presenters will share many ways educators can assess and learn to provide quality education for young people.”

Many educators believe that multiple forms of assessment best enable teachers to understand their students’ thinking and learning, and to improve curriculum and teaching, despite mandates for standardized testing. The conference will support participants’ commitment to meaningful assessment as well as offer practical approaches for its implementation.

The conference will begin with lunch at noon at the Terrace Restaurant. The agenda includes a keynote panel titled “Effective Performance-Based Assessment Models: Policy and Practice.” Panelists include Lynne Miller, director of the Southern Maine Partnership and professor at the University of Southern Maine; Meg Robbins, associate at the Center for Collaborative Education in Boston; and Ann Cook of the New York Performance Assessment Consortium and principal of the Urban Academy in New York City.

A second panel, “Reclaiming Assessment: Multiple Voices” and interest groups with each of the presenters for practical methods, hands-on ideas and strategies will follow.

Those interested should register as soon as possible because space is limited. A $15 conference fee includes lunch. Educators attending the conference will receive an in-service certificate for attendance. To register, contact Louise Argulewicz, at the Mid-Hudson Teacher Center at (845) 257-2885, or send an e-mail to mhtc212@aol.com.

The conference is sponsored by the SUNY New Paltz School of Education, the Mid-Hudson Teacher Center and the Mid-Hudson School Study Council.

Note to media: Media are invited to cover this event. If you would like to attend, please contact the conference registrar, Louise Argulewicz, at the Mid-Hudson Teacher Center at calling (845) 257-2885.