TENNESSEE WESLEYAN COLLEGE

                                                                 SYLLABUS

I.          ED 423 Measurement and Evaluation

II.        Fall 2008 Instructor: Mr. John Gaston

                        Office Phone: 423‑746‑5275

                        Home Phone: 865‑376‑2343 (No calls after 9 P.M. please)

                        Email: jgaston@twcnet.edu

III.       Text: Measurement and Assessment in Teaching. Ninth Edition. Robert L. Linn and

M. David Miller. 2005.

IV.       Course Description: This course provides an in‑depth study of the major concepts related to measurement and evaluation in the classroom. Knowledge of the need for and the use of descriptive and inferential statistics is essential. In order to register for this course, a student must be accepted into the Teacher Education Program.

V.        Course Goals and Course Objectives/Competencies/Skills

A.        Describe the differences between commonly used assessment instruments according to characteristics, purposes, and uses.

            B.         Construct various types of test questions.

C.        Define and interpret various assessment procedures in the three domains: cognitive, affective, and psychomotor.

            D.        Be able to use the proper vocabulary associated with assessment.

            E.         Interpret and analyze test results through statistical procedures.

F.         Be able to construct classroom tests and assessments that measure a variety of abilities.

            G.        Describe legal aspects of assessment and release of information.

            H.        Identify multicultural issues as applied to assessment and evaluation.

I.          Discuss the concepts of validity and reliability with respect to norm‑referenced and criterion‑referenced tests and culture fair testing. 

J.          Be able to compare and contrast various assessment methods.

            K.        Design lesson plans and unit plans with appropriate assessment tools included.

            L.         Be able to differentiate between descriptive and inferential statistics.

VI.       Course Relationship to Major Program and Departmental or Institutional           Purpose

            Upon completion of this course the student should be able to:

            A.        Understand the instructional context of measurement and evaluation.

            B.         Evaluate individual growth for instructional purposes.

            C.        Use evaluation as a means to improve instruction.

VII.     Course Relationship to Content Area Knowledge and skills from the                   Professional Education Matrices:

            A.        Competent Learner

Understand the major concepts, assumptions, and processes of inquiry for the discipline taught.

            B.         Diverse Learners

Understand and identify differences in student approaches to learning and performance.

            C.        Assessment and Evaluation

1. Select, construct, and use formal and informal assessment strategies and instruments appropriate to the learning expectations     being evaluated and make instructional decisions based upon this information.

                        2. Solicit and use information about students learning needs.

3. Maintain useful records of student work and progress and communicate student progress to students, parents, and school officials.

             D.       Reflective Practitioner

1. Reflect on teaching practices by continually evaluating the effects of instruction.

2. Monitor teaching strategies and behavior in relation to student success, modifying plans and instruction accordingly.

3. Seek out professional literature, colleagues, professional organizations, and other resources to support continuing professional development.

4. Use knowledge of legal and ethical responsibilities; organizational, historical, and philosophical dimensions of classrooms and schools; and educational policy to guide professional behavior.

             E.        Service

1. Participate in collegial activities designed to make the entire school a productive learning environment.

2. Serve as an advisor or advocate for students, recognize student problems, and seek additional help as needed and appropriate.

3. Communicate goals and accomplishments to the parents and, where appropriate, to the community.

            F.         Technology

1. Use databases and spreadsheets to obtain, transfer, and manage data and files for educational purposes.

VIII.    Topics or Units of Instruction

            A.        Educational Testing and Assessment

            B.         The Role of Measurement and Assessment in Teaching

            C.        Instructional Goals and Objectives

            D.        Validity

            E.         Reliability and Other Desired Characteristics

            F.         Planning Classroom Tests and Assessments

            G.        Constructing Objective Test Items: Simple Form

            H.        Constructing Objective Test Items: Multiple‑Choice Forms

            I.          Measuring Complex achievement: The Interpretive Exercise

            J.          Measuring Complex Achievement: Essay Questions

            K.        Measuring Complex Achievement: Performance‑Based Assessments

            L.         Portfolios

            M.        Assessment Procedures: Observational Techniques, Peer Appraisal and Self‑Report

            N.        Assembling, Administering, and Appraising Classroom Tests and Assessments

            0.         Grading and Reporting

            P.         Achievement Tests

            Q.        Aptitude Tests

            R.         Test Selection, Administration, and Use

            S.         Interpreting Test Scores and Norms

            T.         Interpreting Statistical Data and Completing Calculations

IX. Methods of Instruction and Learning: Various methods of instruction will be utilized in this course. Lecture, discussion, small and large group activities, presentations, and individualized instruction will be the main types of instruction. Guest speakers will be utilized when appropriate.

X. Course Requirements and Means of Evaluation

    Assignments:

1. You will have a position paper to write detailing current practices used in standardized testing and its usefulness. Guidelines for the paper are as follows:

                        * Word‑processed, minimum 4 pages

* Include introduction, review of the literature, discussion of the findings, and your conclusions based upon readings and experience

                        * Bibliography, minimum of 5 different authors

                        * A copy of at least one article which had the most relevance in your research

2. You will be required to answer and turn in various learning exercises from your text (as assigned throughout semester).

3. You will design a lesson plan and accompanying evaluation tools to measure various levels of learning being evaluated from the lesson in your content area (as assigned and related to the chapter you will be teaching).

4. You and a partner will present a chapter from your text as assigned by the Instructor.

5. You will have 10 total service hours, which you will document.          These will be seved in the Academic Success Center.

                        6. You will take 3 tests and a final (Dates to be announced).

XI.       Grading Scale and Attendance Policy

A.       Attendance and participation are required as professional obligations. Being tardy twice (or leaving class early) count as one unexcused absence. Only 2 absences excused or unexcused are accepted to maintain 95% of your attendance points After two absences, points will be subtracted from your grade. It is your responsibility to schedule make‑up work, copy notes, and receive information from a peer concerning work that you miss. Any assignments due when you are absent are still due on that day.  You must place them in my office mailbox. If you have extenuating circumstances, you must call me at my office.

B.        You are expected to come to class prepared. Read all the assignments and be prepared to participate in class activities and discussions. Complete all assignments given and turn them in on the due dates. Points will be deducted for assignments that are turned in late.

C.       The Tennessee Wesleyan College Honor Code will be followed on all assignments.Plagiarism will result in failure for the course.

             D.       Final grades will be determined on a point basis:

                        Assignment                                 Points/Each                Total Points

                        1. Attendance/participation                                                         50

                        2. Paper                                                                                   200

                        3. Tests                                                100                              300

                        4. Learning Exercises                                                                100

                        5. Lesson plans                                                             100

                        6. Chapter presentation                                                 100

                        7.Final Exam                                                                            100

                        8.Service Hours                                                                         50

                                                Total Possible Points                                       1000

             E.        Grading Scale

                        Grade               Percent             Grade               Percent

                        A                     93.5‑100                      C+                   82.5‑84.4        

                        A‑                    92.5‑93.4                     C                     75.5‑82.4

                        B+                   90.5‑92.4                     C‑                    74.5‑75.4

                        B                      85.5‑90.4                     D                     67.5‑74.4

                        B‑                    84.5‑85.4                     F                      Below 67.4

XII.  College-Wide Learning Outcomes

• use effectively the communication skills of reading, writing, speaking, and listening
• be knowledgeable of religious beliefs and issues, the religious positions of others, and the choices with which religion confronts them
• recognize the issues that affect social and political behavior in their historical and cultural perspective
• demonstrate mathematical and basic computer skills, and discover the impact of science and technology
• appreciate the contributions of the arts and literature to life enrichment
• choose physical activities which will enhance wellness.

XIII. Clinical/Laboratory/Field‑Based Experiences

            No field experience hours are required for ED423; however, the research paper and construction of the lesson plan and accompanying tests will require library research, internet research, and field research.

XIV.  Date of Preparation/Revision

       July 28, 2008 by John S. Gaston

The instructor may amend items on the syllabus. Students will be notified when changes are deemed necessary.