How can we make them more relevant?
Education is shifting because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Answers to long overdue questions about how we measure student progress are now being demanded.
School districts and the private sector are re-evaluating how standardized test performance relates to future work and career opportunities. Simultaneously, schools need to address how they will foster an equitable classroom—both in access and in curriculum.
Kevin spends time talking with Chris Minnich, CEO of NWEA, to learn how the role of assessments are evolving and the programs available for preparing students for college and career success. Joining the conversation is Dr. Saran Stewart, researcher and senior lecturer of higher education at the University of the West Indies, who shares her expertise in access and equity and the importance of forming an inclusive learning environment for all students.
Guests
Meet Chris
Chris Minnich Chris Minnich grew up in Oregon and attended the University of Washington. After college, he moved back home to start his career. He found a temporary position at the Oregon Department of Education in the early days of No Child Left Behind, the federal legislation that required annual testing. As a result of this early exposure to the issues in education, Chris became passionate about better assessments.
He now serves as Chief Executive Officer of assessment giant NWEA, an organization serving more than 10.7 million students worldwide. Prior to joining NWEA in January 2018, Chris held several key leadership roles in the education industry. Most recently, Chris served as the executive director of the Council of Chief State School Officers.
Meet Saran
Dr. Tammy Since completing her doctorate from the University of Denver in 2013, Dr. Saran Stewart has produced an impressive record of research, scholarship, and service.
At the core of her research, Saran uses a variety of social science methodologies to critically examine issues in comparative education, decolonizing methodologies, postcolonial theories, critical/inclusive pedagogy, and access and equity issues in higher education. She has worked to question status quo regarding access to educational institutions, resources, and opportunities.
Saran is also the coordinator for the Master in Higher Educational Management Program, and chief editor of the Journal of Education and Development in the Caribbean. She holds a BA in English and International Studies, MBA with honors, MA in International Administration, and PhD in Higher Education.
