Dusting off the Teacher's Manuals

Traditionally, the beginning of the school year sees a flurry of assessment activity.  In many schools this includes the use of standardised tests such as the Progressive Achievement Tests (PATs), the Essential Skills Assessment: Information Skills (ESA:IS), and the Supplementary Tests of Achievement in Reading (STAR). 

Because teachers are familiar with the scenario of administering tests, it is easy to overlook an important document that accompanies most standardised tests: the teacher's manual.  The manuals are a valuable means of obtaining accurate assessment data that leads to improved learning by students. 

This article gives a brief summary of the information that can be found in a teacher's manual.