ASCD Community / Multimetric Accountability Among ASCD's Key Policy Priorities

Educational Leadership Staff

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At the heart of ASCD's 2014 Legislative Agenda is the belief that federal education policy must shift from a narrow reliance on high-stakes testing to a broader, more meaningful vision of success that supports each student from early childhood through graduation.

Developed by the association's legislative committee—a diverse cross-section of ASCD members—the 2014 agenda suggests that accountability systems promote continuous support and improvement and

Be public and transparent.
Include a range of subjects beyond English language arts and mathematics.
Incorporate important nonacademic factors such as measures of school climate, safety, and parental engagement.

"ASCD believes college and career readiness includes educating the whole child and involves more than proficiency in one or two subjects," says David Griffith, ASCD director of public policy. "Multimetric accountability systems should use formative assessments, evidence of student learning, and progress toward personal growth objectives to measure student and teacher success rather than rely on standardized test scores as the primary reference point."

The association also recommends a well-rounded approach to education that supports the whole child, safe and effective conditions for learning, and ongoing professional development to facilitate educator effectiveness. ASCD firmly believes policymakers must make the best interests of students the deciding factor in each and every recommendation. Some additional items of importance this year are

The availability of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or college dual-enrollment courses for all students.
In-school social and emotional learning, mental health services, and counseling to increase students' capacity to achieve.
Making the necessary time and financial investments to support educators along the entire career continuum.

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ASCD Conference on Teaching Excellence

More than 150 sessions will be presented by some of the best minds in education at this year's ASCD Conference on Teaching Excellence, June 27–29, in Dallas, Tex. Designed for teachers, teacher leaders, teacher mentors, coaches, principals, and district supervisors, the conference will bring you up-to-date on best practices in the classroom, how to make them routine in every grade and subject, and how to scale them systemwide.

The event will not only feature unmatched professional development sessions, but also give you the opportunity to meet and collaborate with peers from around the world. Attendees can participate in a networking breakfast, debriefing session, and special activities throughout the weekend, such as a keynote luncheon with Carol Ann Tomlinson.

In addition, four Pre-Conference Institutes will be offered on June 26, including "STAAR, Math, and UbD: Making the Connections to Boost Student Engagement," an interactive session planned specifically for Texas educators.

For more information or to register, please visit www.ascd.org/CTE.

Participate in the ASCD Board Election Process

ASCD MEMBERS: Please cast your ballot to fill two positions on ASCD's Board of Directors. Visit www.ascd.org/elections and log on with your Member ID and password. The election process closes on May 15, 2014.

If you are interested in becoming more involved, consider serving on next year's ASCD Nominations Committee. Go to www.ascd.org/nominations to access the 2014–15 application form and information on the committee's charge, qualifications for service, and the time commitment required. Committee applications must be submitted by May 31, 2014.

EL’s experienced team of writers and editors produces Educational Leadership magazine, an award-winning publication that reaches hundreds of thousands of K-12 educators and leaders each year. Our work directly supports the mission of ASCD: To empower educators to achieve excellence in learning, teaching, and leading so that every child is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged.

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