This paper by Linda Darling-Hammond outlines how states can achieve the goal of making high-quality assessments both affordable and feasible to implement while strengthening teaching and learning at the same time. States that seek such a system can achieve their goals by:
• Understanding how the state and local components of a high-quality assessment system can operate together to strengthen learning.
• Taking advantage of the cost savings associated with productive uses of technology for online delivery and efficient scoring and reporting.
• Involving teachers in developing and scoring assessments in ways that also support teachers’ professional learning and improved instruction, making these investments doubly beneficial.
• Combining state and local resources strategically to make sound, coherent investments in higher quality assessments.
