Re-assessing state writing assessment

Abstract

Because standardized testing is the means by which most student skills are assessed, it is important to ensure that such tests are accurately portraying student abilities. In the case of standardized writing tests it has become apparent that such tests are both unreliable and invalid and the tests, are, therefore, not doing what they are intended to do. Standardized writing tests do not create typical representations of student writing and in most cases only lead to the creation of formulaic writing-the five-paragraph essay. To achieve a more reliable and accurate measure of students' abilities to write states should look to portfolio assessment, which requires students to focus more on the writing process and on creating well written products reflecting student choice.

Date of Award	2005
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	Eastern Illinois University
Supervisor	Robin L. Murray (Supervisor)