9th Annual Texas MAP Users Conference
February 11, 2016

Hosted and Sponsored by Plano ISD in Partnership with NWEA

Thursday, February 11, 2016
8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Plano ISD Sockwell Center
6301 Chapel Hill Blvd
Plano, Texas 75093

Conference Program 

Keynote Speaker: John Tanner

The Toolbox Approach to Managing Assessments

One serious consequence of test-based accountability is that tests designed for a very narrow and limited purpose now dictate a broad swath of the educational enterprise. This is both understandable and unfortunate. Our test-based policies define quality through test scores, and yet a careful analysis of such tests exposes the inability of such tests to actually comment on quality, much to the detriment of schools. The dilemma that results leaves a great many educators between a rock and a hard place.

The Toolbox Approach regarding assessments helps remedy that dilemma. School leaders and teachers use the approach to define the job that need to be done and then seek tools designed for each of those jobs. Those tools can include such things as interim assessments (MAP is a fine example), observations, quiz programs, etc.; the only rule is that the tool must be designed for the job. Not only is the approach relatively simple to understand, but it is extremely pragmatic in that is presumes schools need to find a way to be excellent regardless of whatever policy exists. The Toolbox Approach doesn’t negate the need for a more thoughtful policy approach, but instead gives an educator a way to be successful regardless.

If beating the current system and doing what you know to be right by your students is the goal, then the Toolbox Approach is for you.