Colorado Assessment Summits

NWEA Brings Education Assessment Summits to Littleton and Grand Junction

Measuring student growth in a high-stakes environment

May 20, 2011 - The Colorado Growth Model and Common Core State Standards are among the topics to be addressed by U.S. education experts at the June 2011 Colorado Assessment Summits, announced today by presenter Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA). Geared toward Colorado educators facing increased pressure to show gains in student learning, the summits feature distinguished speakers on the topics of student academic growth and the repercussions of national and state education policy.

Both summits are free and include complimentary continental breakfast and buffet lunch. Registration is required due to limited space.

The Colorado Assessment Summits consist of two distinct events:

Grand Junction

Monday, June 13, 2011

9:00am to 3:30pm

Emerson Building

930 Ute Avenue (modular building)

Littleton

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

9:00am to 3:30pm

Education Services Center for Littleton Public Schools

5776 South Crocker Street (board room)

Key speakers and topics for both Colorado Assessment Summits:

"Measuring and Modeling Growth in a High-stakes Environment: What Every Educator Needs to Know"

Dr. John Cronin, Director of the Kingsbury Center at NWEA

As schools expand their use of growth measures, educators face increased pressure to use growth data for high-stakes purposes, such as performance evaluation and pay for performance. This presentation introduces educators to the measurement questions and issues that must be addressed as schools consider moving into this area. The session will also include discussion on the use of the Colorado Growth Model with NWEA assessments.

A nationally-recognized expert on student testing, Dr. Cronin has focused his research on the impact of the No Child Left Behind Act on state standards, educational equity and the measurement of student growth.

"NWEA's Common Core Tests: 2011 & Beyond"

Josie Rodriguez, Director of Content Services at NWEA

As more states adopt Common Core Standards, how will assessment strategies evolve to meet educator demands in the classroom? Rodriguez will explore the ways assessments are changing to address emerging policy trends. A former Content Development Consultant for the National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing (CRESST) at UCLA, Rodriguez has been affiliated with NWEA since 2008.

Media is invited and encouraged to attend both summits. Interviews with featured speakers can be arranged through NWEA's media team.

About NWEA

NWEA is a global not-for-profit educational services organization with home offices in Portland, Oregon. NWEA partners with educational organizations worldwide to provide computer-based assessment suites, professional development and research services. NWEA's Measures of Academic Progress® (MAP®) adaptive assessments leverage more than 30 years of research into student growth that informs decision-making at every level, from classrooms to boardrooms. NWEA's research center, The Kingsbury Center at NWEA, uses a Growth Research Database^TM to drive original research with universities, foundations and policymakers. Learn more at nwea.org.

Contact:

Sarah Tripp Stephan

sstephan@pyramidcommunications.com

503.241.2341