Feedback from Field Test Participants

The tool moved the participants smoothly through the concept of alignment of the intended, delivered, and achieved curriculum. The process was effective in guiding participants to new levels of understanding about alignment issues. (Professional Developer who field tested materials)

I will use this experience as an incentive to really look at the standards. I have the standards book but it sits on the shelf and I don't do anything with it. This makes it all seem less threatening. (Teacher)

Everyone has a different approach and a different opinion until they sit down and really look at the standards and what they are teaching. (Teacher )

Districts should find this tool to be very helpful in choosing and modifying assessments that align with their standards. (Professional Developer who field tested materials)

It was interesting to note how each teacher interpreted the standards and how that could cause problems in your own district/schools. (Math Specialist )

I learned how important it is to discuss language and terminology of the standards with teachers &emdash; what do we mean by this? Math backgrounds vary and interpretations of standards vary too. (District Coordinator)

The most useful thing I learned was the process of tying assessment to standards and how carefully it needs to be done. Teacher

Precision in test writing helps to check if you are assessing what you wanted to assess. (Teacher)

Good problems, even though they're good, may not match the standards. (Teacher)

There is more than one way to come up with the right answer. There is no guarantee that any of the concepts you think you are testing will indeed be used by the student in coming up with his/her answer. (Teacher)

The most meaningful thing I learned was how to relate what I already do to a more algebraic experience for my students. (Teacher)

The strong connection between the intended curriculum, the delivered curriculum, and the achieved curriculum. How very sad for kids when those are not all one in the same. (Teacher)

The whole process was helpful. The handout pertaining to the relationship between standards, instruction, and assessment is simple yet powerful. (Professional Developer)

A good tool for determining usefulness of an assessment item. (State Department of Education Math Specialist)

I learned a process for meeting the standards - deciding what our students need, how we meet that need and then how our students show learning. (Teacher)

The mapping activity gave a good visual of the standards that were being met or not met. The process of looking at items and standards evoked stimulating conversations. (Teacher)

I will focus more on whether the experiences I offer children line up with the standards. (Teacher)

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