ABSTRACT
While current policies call for more high-stakes assessments in the form of standardized and criterion-based tests, research on effective schools demonstrates that teachers use alternative assessments such as observations and listening to children read to monitor student growth (Taylor, Pearson, Clark & Walpole, 2002). However, we are increasingly reliant on tests, rather than our daily observations and interactions with students, to evaluate growth. This chapter proposes that technology can enhance and promote literacy assessments, specifically, alternative assessments. In other words, teachers will more frequently use alternative assessments because technology will make it easy and data will be more accessible for instructional decision-making. First, we discuss some views on assessment including traditional assessments and alternative assessments. Then, we propose ways technology can enhance alternative assessment. Finally, we take a peek at the future and offer some final comments.
