Assessing Writing to Support Learning: Turning Accountability Inside Out

The authors of this book propose a new approach to writing assessment that focuses on student learning and success, moving away from high-stakes, test-based writing assessment and the curriculum it generates. They argue that a test-based approach to accountability and current practices have undermined effective teaching and learning of writing. The book offers a new ecological approach to writing assessment that bridges the gap between real-world writing and standardized writing assessments. It provides guidance on designing assessments to address multiple kinds of writing, integrate reading with writing, and incorporate digital technology and multimodality. The authors emphasize the central role of teachers in systemic reform and offer sample assessments developed with intensive teacher involvement.

Format: Hardback
Length: 202 pages
Publication date: 08 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

In their groundbreaking book, Murphy and ONeill present a transformative approach to writing assessment that moves away from high-stakes, test-based practices and towards a more student-centered and effective approach. By critically examining the landscape of writing assessment and existing research-based theories, the authors demonstrate how a test-based approach to accountability and current practices have hindered the effective teaching and learning of writing.

To address this gap, the book offers a new ecological approach to writing assessment that bridges the gap between real-world writing and standardized writing assessments. It provides teachers with valuable insights into the role of formative assessments and assessment as inquiry, helping them understand how to use assessment data to inform their teaching practices.

Furthermore, the book brings the outside in by bridging the gap between authentic writing and writing assessment. It offers practical guidance on designing assessments that address multiple kinds of writing, integrate reading with writing, and incorporate digital technology and multimodality. By emphasizing the central role of teachers in systemic reform, the authors provide sample assessments developed with intensive teacher involvement that support learning and provide information for the evaluation of programs and schools.

This book is a valuable resource for graduate students, instructors, scholars, and policymakers in writing assessment, composition, and English education. It offers a comprehensive and evidence-based perspective on writing assessment that empowers educators to create more effective and equitable learning environments for their students.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032282893