Research on the Alignment Between Secondary and Postsecondary Standards and Expecations

PRESENTATION FROM:
      Big Issues in Testing Conference: Improving Admissions and Learning in Higher Education
      University of Nebraska - Lincoln
      March 28-29, 2013

Downloadable Resources

Content Information

TITLE: Research on the Alignment between Secondary and Postsecondary Standards and Expectations (March 2013) (32 min.) LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 1. Describe the importance of alignment. 2. Explain the current alignment between high school testing and college expediencies. ABSTRACT: Over the last decade, there has been growing concern about the preparedness levels of college-bound high school students. Much of this concern focuses on a perceived misalignment of high school and college academic expectations, with high school standards below those of many colleges and universities nationwide. In this introductory-level presentation, the evidence both supporting and refuting this misalignment will be discussed. The implications of this research on the need for greater articulation of postsecondary standards and accountability systems will be discussed. BIOGRAPHY: Jerome D' Agostino is an Associate Professor in the Quantitative Research, Evaluation, and Measurement program in the School of Educational Policy & Leadership at The Ohio State University. Dr. D' Agostino received his PhD from University of Chicago in Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistical Analysis in 1997. His research and publications focus on applied measurement and assessment, with an emphasis on validity analysis and testing as an educational reform lever; evaluation of educational programs for underprivileged children and families; innovative research methods and testing. He was awarded a Spencer/NAE postdoc fellowship to study teacher certification testing in 2000. He has conducted numerous studies of standards-based testing and the link between high school and collegiate standards.