Using Curriculum Mapping and Assessment Data to Improve Learning

Curriculum mapping, utilizing assessment data, and differentiating instruction can improve schools and raise student achievement. But schools need to seamlessly integrate all three techniques in order to see schoolwide change. Kallick & Colosimo show readers what are the essential questions to ask about the curriculum, the data, and instructional and assessment techniques and how technology can drive the process. They provide real-life examples of districts using these techniques successfully. The book uses the AlterNet software as an example of how technology can help schools develop an information technology system to help the reader tap into and make effective decisions based on the data. Bena Kallick, Ph.D is a private consultant providing services to school districts, state departments of education, professional organizations, and public agencies throughout the United States and abroad. Kallick received her doctorate in educational evaluation at Union Graduate School. Her areas of focus include group dynamics, creative and critical thinking, and alternative assessment strategies for the classroom. Formerly a Teachers' Center director, Kallick also created a children's museum based on problem solving and invention. She was the coordinator of a high school alternative designed for at-risk students. She is co-founder of Performance Pathways, a company dedicated to providing easy to use software for curriculum mapping and assessment tracking and reporting, an integrated suite. She is presently a strategic advisor for SunGard Public Sector K-12 on behalf of Performance Plus, a transformational new product based on the work of Performance Pathways. She is known for her practical approach to making curriculum mapping and assessment a catalyst for improving teaching and learning. Kallick's teaching appointments have included Yale University School of Organization and Management, University of Massachusetts Center for Creative and Critical Thinking, and Union Graduate School. She was formerly on the Board of the Apple Foundation, the Board of Jobs for the Future and Weston Woods Institute. She presently serves on the Board of Communities for Learning. Her work with Dr. Art Costa has led to the development of the Institute for Habits of Mind (), an international institute that is dedicated to transforming schools into places where thinking and Habits of Mind are taught, practiced, valued and have become infused into the culture of the school and community. The Institute provides services and products to support bringing the Habits of Mind into the culture of schools and the communities they serve. She and Art Costa have just completed an online course for EduPlanet21, a company that is dedicated to Professional Development for Educators using the most contemporary tools and thinking to be successful engaging students as 21st century learners. In addition, she is the Program Director for this company.