Measuring Deeper Learning: New Directions in Formative Assessment

By assessing a broader set of outcomes, including deeper content understanding and critical thinking, school districts and states can have a better sense of school quality and what can be done to improve learning and instruction.

Virginia, California, and Texas are activating promising ideas, practices, and policies with an emphasis on developing new systems of assessment that focus on local participation in design and development. Taken together, these states' efforts offer important early lessons and guideposts for other states.

This brief presents research showing that, when the concepts of student autonomy and assessments' role in that development are explored, implemented, and measured, students will become more competent and confident learners ready to handle challenges in academics, the workplace, and civic life. The brief also offers examples of student autonomy and initial proof of viable concepts. Finally, we leave the reader with discussion questions to prompt consideration of related issues of policy and practice.