AFFLERBACH'S+CURRV+MODEL

With all of the reading assessments on the market, how can we be sure to choose the assessment that is most suitable for our needs? In this current economic climate, it is imperative that we use our resources wisely and select the assessment system that best fits the needs of our school and its students. Peter Afflerbach offers a set of five criteria to determine whether or not the selected assessment is appropriate for measuring our students’ learning. Afflerbach states that the CURRV model will support us in understanding and using reading assessments. Below are the five CURRV criteria with a brief description of each component:

1.) Consequences of Assessment:
 * Ask yourself: What are the consequences of a reading assessment? We must consider all possible consequences of reading assessment, positive or negative. Assessing our assessments from the perspective of their intended and unintended consequences will help guide teachers toward the suitability of reading assessment.

2.) Usefulness of Assessment:
 * In order to be sure whether the assessment is suitable or not, we must determine how useful the assessment is. Identify the needs of students and the school, then evaluate whether or not the chosen assessment addresses those specific needs.

3.) Roles and Responsibilities Related to Assessment:
 * There is a need for a clear understanding of the roles and responsibilities of the chosen assessment. What role will the teacher play? What role do the students play? What role will the assessment play in relation to your classroom and its students?

4.) Reliability of Assessment:
 * The accuracy and precision of an assessment is crucial when selecting and/or evaluating a reading assessment. We must be sure that the assessment is measuring what the student is actually achieving, and taking into account any errors that are made. If the assessment is not reliable, the information gathered relating to student learning may be incorrect or ultimately, worthless.

5.) Validity of Assessment:
 * It is imperative to evaluate the reading assessment to determine if what is claimed to be measured is actually being measured. We want our assessment efforts to matter and we must ask questions related to validity before we invest valuable time and money in any assessment.

Afflerbach, P. (2007). //Understanding and using reading assessment//. Newark, DE: International Reading Association.

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