A Complicated Conversation: A Framework for Guiding Assessment Conversation and Decision-Making

Education First developed the framework and approach described in this fact sheet while working with Ohio policymakers in 2014. The framework helps policymakers understand how assessment decisions relate to standards, school/district accountability systems, teacher evaluation goals and high school graduation requirements. By grounding discussions in fact, it provides a way for policymakers to work together on a highly charged topic and identify a shared path forward.

This tool also helps participants understand each other and the various positions they have articulated: How do different approaches (or changes to different testing requirements) contribute to a balanced—or imbalanced—approach to accomplishing state goals for accountability, school improvement and testing? What choices avoid unintended consequence?