Formative Classroom Assessment

This authoritative volume presents a state-of-the-art review of formative assessment in the classroom. World-renowned experts examine what is currently known about formative assessment and its application to teaching. The book balances theory and research with practical applications that will work with today’s high-stakes accountability testing. Use this single resource to:

• Keep abreast of a topic that is critical to raising student achievement in the K–12 classroom.
• Implement formative assessment in the science, mathematics, English, and social studies classroom to motivate student effort and achievement.
• Understand how large-scale testing policies and procedures militate against the effective use of formative assessment.
• Conduct future research on formative assessment to enhance its positive influence on meaningful student learning.

James H. McMillan is professor of foundations of education in the School of Education at Virginia Commonwealth University.

“This is a very timely and important book for those recognizing the need to implement more learner-centered practices in this era of testing and accountability. A must read for concerned educators, researchers, and policymakers.”
—Barbara L. McCombs, Director, Human Motivation, Learning, and Development Center, University of Denver Research Institute

"Not only has Jim McMillan gathered together the foremost experts on the topic of formative assessment, but each of those authors has provided a clear and detailed analysis of the topic from their unique perspectives. This book is a must read for anyone serious about the use of formative assessments in schools."
—Robert J. Marzano, Senior Scholar, Mid-Continent Research for Education and Learning

“At a time when many educators are wondering if formative assessment is a magic bullet that can boost students’ test scores, Jim McMillan has assembled a crackerjack collection of writers who tell us what formative assessment can and can’t do. If you want to dig into the viscera of formative assessment, this is required reading!”
—W. James Popham, Professor Emeritus, UCLA