McGraw-Hill Position Paper Outlines Components of a Balanced 21st Century Assessment System

A new position paper from McGraw-Hill Assessment and Reporting, composed of CTB/McGraw-Hill and The Grow Network/McGraw-Hill, highlights the use of educational assessment as a forward-looking teaching and learning tool in 21st Century classrooms.

The paper, entitled "21st Century Approach: Preparing Students for the Global Workforce," outlines the key ingredients and critical success factors for a balanced 21st Century assessment and reporting model that is tightly coupled with student learning. It also explores the effective use of education technology to create an integrated assessment and instructional system supported by data derived from multiple assessment measures and bolstered by professional development of teachers. In addition, the paper emphasizes the role of parental involvement in student success through the use of accessible student reports, learning resources, and instructional activities.

"The new model of assessment and reporting takes advantage of modern technology to provide teachers, students, and parents with real-time data to help students succeed," said Mostafa Mehrabani, president of McGraw-Hill Assessment and Reporting. "This new paradigm incorporates both summative and formative assessment to create a continuous learning picture. It is vital that we change the current rear-view mirror focus to give teachers and students actionable feedback that bridges learning gaps and informs instruction."

Assessment and reporting can be used as a dynamic decision support system that fosters learning opportunities and supports students in reaching their highest potential.

  A balanced and successful 21st Century assessment program:

  -- Monitors educational systems for public accountability
  -- Helps provide information to enhance classroom instruction
  -- Enables evaluations of the effectiveness of instructional practices
  -- Measures student achievement and mastery of skills
  -- Provides the data and tools to improve student progress
  -- Engages parents in student learning
  -- Helps prepare students to compete effectively in the global economy

Educational assessment plays a valuable role in every school, district, and state in supporting innovation, enhancing student achievement, and driving educational excellence. It provides essential information that guides genuine education improvement and helps educators, parents, and communities work together to ensure the quality education that students need to compete and thrive in the world economy. To read the entire paper, go to www.CTB.com/21st_Century_Approach.

About CTB/McGraw-Hill

As the nation's leading publisher of standardized and standards-based achievement tests for pre-school, elementary, middle, high school, and adult education, CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC offers a broad range of assessments, software and services. CTB/McGraw-Hill LLC is part of the Assessment and Reporting group of McGraw-Hill Education (MHE), a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP). MHE is a leading global provider of print and digital instructional, assessment and reference solutions that empower professionals and students of all ages. McGraw-Hill Education has offices in 33 countries and publishes in more than 60 languages. Additional information is available at www.CTB.com.

About The Grow Network/McGraw-Hill

Established in March 2000, The Grow Network/McGraw-Hill is a nationally recognized leader in educational assessment reporting. The Grow Network's innovative patent-pending system offers dynamic reports and differentiated learning tools in print and online for families, teachers, and educational leaders. The Grow Network is part of the Assessment and Reporting group of McGraw-Hill Education, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP). Additional information is available at http://info.grow.net/.

  Media Inquiries
  Kelley Carpenter
  Director, Communications
  McGraw-Hill Assessment and Reporting
  (831) 393-7196
  kelley_carpenter@mcgraw-hill.com

SOURCE: CTB/McGraw-Hill; The Grow Network/McGraw-Hill

CONTACT:
Kelley Carpenter
Director, Communications
McGraw-Hill Assessment and Reporting
(831) 393-7196
kelley_carpenter@mcgraw-hill.com

Web site: http://www.ctb.com/
http://www.ctb.com/21st_Century_Approach
http://info.grow.net/