The manner in which whole-school reform is implemented determines in large part its eventual results. Effective evaluation does not rely on a single tool to collect data. Schools should plan on combining standardized tests and surveys with qualitative methods such as personal interviews and focus groups. To assess program implementation, schools can review archival materials such as student records, program plans, and implementation logs. To evaluate the concrete results of the program, schools often concentrate on student achievement and performance.
Comparability plays an important role here.
The Colorado Department of Education suggests including assessments that have a common scoring system and allow for comparisons across schools, districts, and states, such as the CSAP, The National Assessment of Educational Progress, the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, and others. Policy Studies Associates reports that many schools link their goals to broader state goals that are measured periodically by their state's assessment programs. In this way, schools can examine results for several purposes. Schools should not rely solely on standardized test to evaluate student achievement, the Colorado Department of Education warns. Schools should include classroom assessments that provide additional information such as writing samples, projects, experiments, speeches, demonstrations, and more.