Routledge Handbook of Human and Social Conditions in Assessment (Educational Psychology Handbook)

The Handbook of Human and Social Conditions in Assessment is the first book to explore assessment issues and opportunities occurring due to the real world of human, cultural, historical, and societal influences upon assessment practices, policies, and statistical modeling. With chapters written by experts in the field, this book engages with numerous forms of assessment: from classroom-level formative assessment practices to national accountability and international comparative testing practices all of which are significantly influenced by social and cultural conditions. A unique and timely contribution to the field of Educational Psychology, the Handbook of Human and Social Conditions in Assessment is written for researchers, educators, and policy makers interested in how social and human complexity affect assessment at all levels of learning. Organized into four sections, this volume examines assessment in relation to teachers, students, classroom conditions, and cultural factors. Each section is comprised of a series of chapters, followed by a discussant chapter that synthesizes key ideas and offers directions for future research. Taken together, the chapters in this volume demonstrate that teachers, test creators, and policy makers must account for the human and social conditions that shape assessment if they are to implement successful assessment practices which accomplish their intended outcomes. Review "While there is no shortage of opinions―some well informed, others not so much―about the role and value of educational testing in contemporary society, it is clear that the nature and quality of assessment have had a strong influence on teaching and learning. Handbook of Human and Social Conditions in Assessment brings together for the first time scholars and measurement experts from around the world to explore the subtle interplay of assessment methods, their social contexts, and the people affected by these tests and measurements. This is an important book because it offers a synthesis of current knowledge about testing and assessment, and it identifies the salient issues that require further understanding―particularly with respect to standardized testing’s influence on policy and practice. It is a must-read for educators and policymakers alike." --Howard Everson, Professor and Director, Center for Advanced Study in Education, The Graduate Center, CUNY, USA About the Author Gavin T. L. Brown is Professor and Director of the Quantitative Data Analysis and Research Unit in the Faculty of Education and Social Work at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Lois R. Harris is a Senior Post-doctoral Research Fellow within the School of Education and the Arts at Central Queensland University, Australia.