Working Toward an Assessment System with Value: Informing and Strengthening STEM Teaching and Learning

Abstract

This is a summary of a symposium convened on October 21, 2010 by the California Teacher Advisory Council (CalTAC). CalTAC was created in 2005 as a means for bringing real-world classroom experience – the “wisdom of practice” – to policymakers and others whose decisions affect the quality of science and math education in California. As part of their work, they hold annual symposia on issues critically important to effectively teach math and science to California’s students. In October 2010, CalTAC held a one-day symposium to discuss the implications of formative and summative math and science assessments for teaching and learning in California classrooms. Invited guests included science and mathematics teachers, school administrators, researchers, district and state agency education officials, legislative staff, parents, and advocates.