Impact of an Assessment Course on Teacher Candidates’ Assessment Literacy

Abstract

Understanding effective and appropriate techniques for assessing student learning has never been as critical and political as is it is today. Accurate assessment methodologies employed in public schools are vital to the interpretation of student achievement data through which school effectiveness is being measured. Although there is a need, research has shown that preservice teachers are not receiving adequate training in their teacher preparation courses. The authors of this study examined the assessment literacy of teacher candidates before and after completing a required assessment course in their teacher preparation program. Teacher candidates (N = 190) were asked to complete the Assessment Literacy Inventory as a pretest measure and posttest measure. Findings revealed that certain aspects of assessment literacy were present before the course, but also that exposure to the course potentially increased assessment literacy in some areas. Implications for researchers and practitioners are included.