An authoritative reference on one of education's hottest topics, describing how the latest testing and assessment tools can be used to help improve student performance. In this comprehensive review of the wealth of techniques by which students can be assessed, Valerie J. Janesick points out that the politics of schooling often gets in the way of student progress. "High-stakes" standardized testing is frequently based on poorly constructed, unfair tests that encourage "teaching to the test," which actually impedes educational goals. Authentic testing relies more on essays and writing samples, performances, demonstrations, and role-plays. Although it is fairer and provides a measure of student growth and progress, it requires more effort by teachers, who also require extra training. Besides discussing authentic assessment in detail, The Assessment Debate includes a chronology, an annotated directory of organizations supporting performance assessment, a list of state coordinators for testing reform, and state-by-state report cards. A historical chronology from pioneering efforts in the testing movement in the 1880s through the drive toward standardized testing in 2001 A comprehensive annotated bibliography on assessment, including print resources, videotapes, websites, and organizations supporting performance assessment

From the 1920s to the present, an authoritative exploration of curriculum history in America, and the theory and foundations currently influencing school practices for Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grades. Educational reform. Charter schools. The standards movement. High stakes testing. Bilingual education. The controversies surrounding what we teach our children and how we do it have existed since John Dewey espoused his ideas concerning educational reform in the early 1900s. How do we decide whatand howto teach our children? Curriculum Studies: A Reference Handbook presents the most expansive, up-to-date survey of curriculum development in the U.S., ranging from its history and the origins of the cry for higher standards, to societal influences on schools and the legal challenges they face today. Supported by examples illustrating both successful and failed school reforms, critical developments of the past 25 years and their impacts, including the rise of charter schools, home schooling, the standards movement, high stakes testing, and authentic assessment, are carefully analyzed. The first work to examine ethical concerns with multicultural, multilingual students also addresses

Qualitative researchers incorporate the principles of holism, storytelling, ethics, body and mind links, relational focus, and creativity as key features of their practice. So do practitioners of Zen Buddhism. Leading qualitative researcher Valerie J. Janesick describes how qualitative inquiry can be informed and improved through an understanding of Zen principles. She calls for a contemplative qualitative inquiry that draws on the understandings of both East and West. In the book, she-explains how key Zen principles of impermanence, non-self, and nirvana apply to qualitative research projects;-advocates important Zen-based practices of meditation, journaling, and poetic thinking;-presents Zen stories, meditation techniques, and writing exercises to improve research practice.

The Authentic Assessment Primer introduces education students to the phenomenon known as authentic assessment. As such, it is the perfect antidote to high stakes testing, since it relies on performance and shows what a student « can do. In an authentic approach, teachers see assessment as a means to educate and improve student performance, as opposed to simply auditing it on a one-shot test. Authentic tasks require quality performance connected to the learner's world. It is multilayered and complex. The Authentic Assessment Primer provides feedback continually and the learner self adjusts. This approach to assessment looks for higher order thinking skills and demonstration of knowledge. Beginning, intermediate, and advanced teachers can all benefit from understanding the goals, the process, and the techniques of authentic assessment, such as portfolios, essays, and writing samples, recordings, role plays, journal writing, and demonstrations to name a few. Every education student and instructor needs to read this book.

Qualitative researchers incorporate the principles of holism, storytelling, ethics, body and mind links, relational focus, and creativity as key features of their practice. So do practitioners of Zen Buddhism. Leading qualitative researcher Valerie J. Janesick describes how qualitative inquiry can be informed and improved through an understanding of Zen principles. She calls for a contemplative qualitative inquiry that draws on the understandings of both East and West. In the book, she-explains how key Zen principles of impermanence, non-self, and nirvana apply to qualitative research projects;-advocates important Zen-based practices of meditation, journaling, and poetic thinking;-presents Zen stories, meditation techniques, and writing exercises to improve research practice.

In the new Fourth Edition of her inventive, one-of-a-kind book, author Valerie J. Janesick uses dance, yoga, and meditation metaphors to help researchers tap into the intuitive and creative side of their research. In every chapter, "stretching" exercises help readers develop, practice, and hone fieldwork skills and vital habits of mind such as observation, interviewing, writing, creativity, technology, and analysis. While reading the book and working through the exercises, readers can complete a researcher's reflective journal-an invaluable tool that will remain useful throughout their careers.

In this updated version of her innovative and distinctive book, Stretching Exercises for Qualitative Researchers, author Valerie J. Janesick extends her dance and yoga metaphors to strengthen her argument that tapping into one's artistic side the side that is more creative and less inhibited is fundamental to realizing one's potential as a qualitative researcher. With a focus on developing habits of mind through intuition and creativity, this Third Edition provides a series of exercises that are both imaginative and immensely practical in helping students to see the artistic side of research and reflection. Thoroughly classroom tested, these exercises demystify the research process and help researchers become more active observers, interviewers, and learners as they develop and critique their habits of observation, questioning, creativity, writing, and analysis.