Reframing Assessment to Center Equity: Theories, Models, and Practice

This book argues that assessment of student learning can be a vehicle for equity in higher education, presenting a framework of "why, what, how, and now what" to promote equity. It defines emerging terms, discusses the narratives of equity in evidence of student learning, presents models and approaches, and explores the relationship between knowledge systems and assessment practice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 372 pages
Publication date: 12 April 2022
Publisher: Stylus Publishing

This book makes a compelling argument for the assessment of student learning as a means to promote equity in higher education. It provides a comprehensive framework that encompasses the "why," "what," "how," and "now what" aspects of assessment. In the opening chapters, the authors argue that assessment professionals have a crucial role to play in advancing equity, given the historical and systemic use of assessment as a barrier to educational access and attainment for marginalized populations. The "what" chapters delve into emerging terms, explore the narratives of equity in evidence of student learning, present models and approaches to promoting equity, and examine the relationship between knowledge systems and assessment practice.

The "how" chapters take a progressive approach, moving from the classroom to the program level and beyond, to share examples from student affairs. They address issues such as equitable access to STEM fields, culturally responsive practices in community colleges, the ongoing work of culturally situated assessment practices in Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and the potential role of technology-enabled assessment in promoting equity.

The final two chapters provide valuable guidance for assessment professionals. The "now what" chapters encourage them to develop individual awareness within their practice as a next step in the equity journey. They also offer a conceptual framework to anchor equity in their work, ensuring that assessment practices are aligned with the principles of fairness and inclusivity.

Overall, this book is a valuable resource for educators, assessment professionals, and policymakers who are committed to promoting equity in higher education. It provides a comprehensive and practical approach to assessment that can help institutions achieve their goals of providing equal opportunities for all students to succeed.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781642672565