Formative assessment is a key component in next-generation assessment systems. This paper, authored by former WestEd researcher Elise Trumbull and WestEd’s Nancy Gerzon, outlines how different programs and studies have responded to educators’ need for professional development on formative assessment.

The authors address the major issues in the design and implementation of professional development on formative assessment and make recommendations for future efforts.

The paper examines:

  • The need for professional development on formative assessment
  • The most effective ways to structure teacher learning
  • The literature on effective professional development
  • Concrete examples of professional development on formative assessment

Additional WestEd resources on formative assessment are available online.