Too much professional development is focused on this method and on the state tests. Though professional development may be a local responsibility, stronger state guidance and support is warranted, particularly in classroom, performance and portfolio assessment. Teachers are substantially involved in writing items, which is positive, but it would be far better for them to be developing performance tasks. Test results from all administrations are publicly reported in North Carolina. Test results are reported in English.
All tests are secure.
The state should allow parents to review tests and should survey parents to determine what information they need and whether the reports are understood. Should the state increase the constructed-response portions of its exams, public education will be needed. North Carolina reviews its assessment system annually. An external review team from the University of Alabama recently evaluated the North Carolina Testing Program. The review stated that, North Carolina s public school testing program is a very ambitious project that was developed and implemented using sound measurement concepts.