Interview With the Author: Ann Muench

Learning From Assessment: Tools for Examining Assessment Through Standards, 2nd Edition

We developed Learning from Assessment (LfA) to support teachers’ use of the NCTM mathematics standards. So when the standards were revised, we didn’t hesitate to update LfA.

We had seen that within a few months of the release of the first edition, LfA was already in use in Iowa, Texas, New Mexico, Washington, DC, and Oklahoma. Teacher leaders kept saying how helpful it was, to be able to examine assessment through the national mathematics standards. We knew a new edition could be even more helpful — to the audience familiar with the product, and to new users.

Turning standards into practice is a challenge for any teacher. Through our workshops, we found there was a great need for teachers to be able to work with other teachers to develop this skill. We thought a professional development package was the best way to help teachers do this.

We culled released assessment items from the Third International Mathematics and Science Study, the National Assessment of Educational Progress, and other state and national projects. We worked with PBS, too, and coordinated one of our modules with their Mathline: Hop To It! video. The video allows teachers to see what we are talking about — it really brings our lessons to life. With the LfA materials, because we use local as well as national standards and assessments, districts can easily see how LfA might be customized for local needs. As well, schools and districts can call on a national cadre of trainers to facilitate sessions.

I think the breadth of materials in this tool is what makes it so helpful — it gives professional developers guidelines, sample scripts, and blackline masters that they can adapt to fit their own needs. The LfA structure — examining the alignment of the “intended” curriculum (standards) with the “delivered” curriculum (instruction) and the “achieved” curriculum (assessment) — helps explain standards to teachers, helps them look at instructional materials with standards in mind, and helps them see what's most important to help their students learn and succeed.

Contact Information

Ann Muench
303.600.8350
amuench@wested.org