Book Reviews - February 2009 - Volume 109 (2)

Assessment in Science: Practical Experiences and Education Research

Editors: Maureen McMahon, Patricia Simmons, Randy Sommers, Diane DeBates, & Frank Crawley
National Science Teachers Association Press
1840 Wilson Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22201
2006, 236 pages
NSTA Nonmember Price: $25.95
NSTA Member Price: $20.76
ISBN: 978-1-93353-100-7

Reviewer: Lloyd H. Barrow
University of Missouri
Columbia, MO 65203

This 18 chapter monograph resulted from a joint group from National Science Teachers Association and National Association for Research in Science Teaching. This resource was designed for a wide audience of teachers of science, science education researchers and teachers as researchers and focused upon the best assessment practices of K-16 science.

Each chapter is independent invited submissions and that addressed broad areas of assessment. The call for submission requested new assessment strategies, suggestions for challenges in assessment, evidence of student understanding, and practical implications. This resource is to extend National Research Council's Classroom Assessment and the National Science Education Standards (2001). The first 13 chapters focus upon science assessment research which emphasizes practical applications for classroom teachers. The last 5 chapters have a role for teacher-as-researcher (action research). A variety of perspectives includes theoretical background to practical successful assessment strategies.

Each chapter has an abstract included in the table of concepts. Editors have included brief author's orientation toward assessment organized by chapters in their introductory chapter. Each chapter is independent with separate bibliographical entries and resources recommended (print and electronic). Each of the chapters and original manuscripts, some of which are based upon grant founded projects. An extensive index is provided.

This paperback is a through resource for any science educator with an interest/responsibility with assessment. Since each chapter is independent, readers can choose specific chapter(s) to read on specific aspects associated with assessment. Then readers can consult index to find related uses. The reviewer would have liked the editors to have provided a synthesis chapter to conclude this resource.