In this concise, compelling, and readable book, Rick Stiggins explains clearly the extraordinary damage that has been done to America's youth by the belief that standardized testing is the only, or even the best, way to find out what students have learned. He also shows how more appropriate assessment, in which learners play a leading role, has the power to transform American education. Anyone interested in what is wrong with education in America today-and what we can do about it-should read this book.
-- Dylan Wiliam , Emeritus Professor of Educational Assessment
Every once and awhile a book appears that is so honest, so sensible, and so impassioned that it must not be ignored. This is such a book, and it will make many education policy makers and assessment experts wince. Stiggins decries the damage done by poorly designed tests and thoughtless assessment practice. Thankfully, he doesn't stop with an indictment. Drawing on a half century of experience, Stiggins offers practical advice on how sound assessment practice can benefit all students. -- Dan Duke, Professor of Educational Leadership
In this powerful book Rick Stiggins - through story, research, and practical ideas - clearly offers ways to transform what seem to be overwhelming roadblocks to learning by involving students and using high quality classroom assessment. This book is an important tool for all leaders as they pursue success for all learners.
-- Anne Davies
Noted authority Rick Stiggins offers an important 'wake up call' as he documents how our nation has lost its way on the assessment road, and offers a hopeful prescription for how we can reclaim the promise of assessments that truly support meaningful learning.
-- Jay McTighe, Co-author of the Understanding by Design (R) series, Author of Core Learning: Assessing What Matters Most
This book is a plea from the heart, from 50+ years of experience, from someone who has immersed himself in the research, the classroom, the professional learning communities and the publication business - and Stiggins sees it all too clearly. It is time to fix the assessment problem. There is more packed into this little treatise than in encyclopedias on this topic. There is passion, wisdom, and a critical message - it is not too late but move soon. A clear blueprint is outlined as to the path to follow.
-- John Hattie, Professor of Educational Research
I want to put this book and these ideas in the hands of every teacher and school leader in America. We need to support learning, not merely measure it.
-- Sharon Robinson, Executive Director
