"The authors have taken a complex topic and presented it in a very readable, accessible manner. An ideal candidate for school-based professional development organized on the study group model."--Joan Irwin, Education ConsultantFormer Director of Publications, IRA Use assessment to meet the strengths and needs of students and enhance learning! Whether it is standardized test data, student journals, or informal classroom question and answer, assessments provide invaluable, ongoing diagnostic information for making key instructional decisions. In this engaging and comprehensive resource, Diane Barone and Joan Taylor demonstrate practical ways for embedding test preparation into teaching by integrating assessments and instruction to boost learning. The authors provide testing content and procedures developed for inservice and preservice teachers, administrators, and coaches to help all students, including those who have previously failed. With rich classroom examples, dialogues, scenarios, checklists, and student work samples, this book illustrates multiple assessment formats with expert how-to and when-to guidelines for literacy, writing, listening, and speaking. In language that speaks straight to educators, this handy, indispensable guide discusses:

• Real cases and conversations that demonstrate actual assessment strategies in classrooms
• Specific applications for math and science literacy
• Preparation and grading for high-stakes testing
• Practical help for portfolios
• Rubric construction tips
• The importance of oral and written literacy

Using The Practical Guide to Classroom Literacy Assessment, educators can measure students′ abilities to navigate content and apply what they learn, and effectively support their academic success on standardized and formative assessments.