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What if we applied the principles of Formative Assessments to the district level rather than just in classroom practices? "...like unemployment statistics. Scores on standardized tests ... usually arrive too late to help individual children or schools that are struggling." "Leading indicators - indicators that provide early signals of progress toward academic achievement - enable education leaders ... to make more strategic and less reactive decisions about services and supports to improve student learning."

Regardless of opinion on positions in this paper, it is an interesting and data filled read. Worth sitting down and looking at over a quick cup of coffee.

"...argues that education policymakers should take a closer look at another accountability system-on-site inspections."

"...detailed look at the methods school inspectors use to evaluate schools. The process is thorough and rigorous: '[I]nspectors observe classroom lessons, analyze student work, speak with students and staff members, examine school records, and scrutinize the results of surveys administered to parents and students,' he notes."

"Based on a review of the best educational research, the Toolkit is an independent and accessible resource which helps teachers and schools identify the most promising and cost-effective ways to support their pupils.Existing evidence shows that how money is spent in schools is at least as important as how much is spent."