The validity of high-stakes assessments and accountability systems is discussed in relation to the requirements of No Child Left Behind (NCLB). The extent to which content standards and assessments are cognitively rich, the challenges in setting performance standards, and the impact of high-stakes assessments on instruction and student learning…

Provides a general framework for examining the consequences of assessment programs, especially statewide programs that intend to improve student learning by holding schools accountable. The framework is intended for use with programs using performance-based tasks but can be used with programs using traditional item formats as well. (SLD)

Addresses issues in evaluating the consequences of assessment programs that are developed to hold schools accountable to state standards. Proposes a validation study to obtain consequential evidence for state assessment and accountability programs that includes a validity argument, propositions that follow from the validity argument, a definition…