RSEM 6050 - Seminar in Assessment Policy Issues

Three public policy issues involving educational assessment are analyzed. The policy issues selected vary to reflect current policy debates. Sample issues are school accountability, grading and report cards, performance-based graduation standards, classification of students as having special needs, merit pay for teachers, and retaining students in grade. Each analysis examines (a) policy history; (b) value assumptions and constituency interests; (c) validity of assessment procedures; and (d) consequences of policy alternatives. Prereq: RSEM 5050 or RSEM 5300 (or another introductory course in educational measurement or assessment.) Semester Hours: 3 to 3