Problem in Public Education Policy and the Contributing Factors

Analyze a Problem in Public Education Policy
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Analyze a Problem in Public Education Policy
Part 1: Describe the Problem and Policy and Its Contributing Factors
One of the most visible problems in policy development in the education sector is poor assessment strategies for adult learners. Authentic assessment must have value beyond the confines of the classroom. Therefore, authentic tests must address the abilities and skills of adult learners in a manner that enables them to perform actual tasks (Spiller, 2009). For example, adult learners may be asked to evaluate case studies that present challenges experienced in real life, to find appropriate solutions and recommendations (Hammond, & Jackson, 2015). This equips them with the technical expertise on resolving real-world problems. For adult learners, authentic assessments present them with the ability to understand the demanding nature of the workplace environment outside the classroom.
Authentic assessment methods are not appropriate in cases where there is a need to collect cumulative data about the performance of students based on clear objectives. For example, unlike standardized tests, which provide a uniform platform for evaluating students, authentic tests do not have a universal platform for examining and analyzing the performance of students (Hammond, & Jackson, 2015).
Part 2: Create a Detailed Formulation and Hypothesis
Traditional assessment refers to the use of conventional methods of testing, which require the students to generate written responses, including term papers, quiz responses, or examinations. Most of the standardized tests, as well as State achievement tests, are considered traditional forms of assessment. On the other hand, authentic assessment refers to a performance-oriented form of evaluation, where the instructor provides constructive feedback on the student's performance (Hammond, & Jackson, 2015). Authentic assessment is also known as alternative assessment or direct assessment. Examples of authentic assessment include peer ratings, portfolios, journals, and discussions, among others.
Assessment provides teachers and instructors valuable insights into how the learning process and the delivery instructions have been effective (Spiller, 2009). Teachers can use a wide range of tools to conduct assessments to achieve a wide range of objectives. For example, assessment can be based on tools such as performance tasks, portfolios, rubrics, writing tasks and projects, and role-play and small discussions (Hammond, & Jackson, 2015). Conversely, the instructors can use various strategies to carry out the assessments, including traditional assessment, authentic assessment, and assessment in adult learning. Each of these approaches of conducting assessments is unique and focuses on achieving specific outcomes.
Part 3: Create an Ideal Solution/New Policy with Its Contributing Factors
Feedback from an instructor is one instance of authentic assessment because it focuses on guiding the learner’s skills in relation to the demands of the workplace environment.
Portfolio assessment entails a collection of the previous works of a learner in one folder that is used to show the progress the learner has made over time. For example, portfolios may include the learners' past exercises such as written reports, essays, journals, logs, research papers, or group projects, among others (Spiller, 2009). The contents of the portfolio are often selected and developed by the learner throughout the training (Hammond, & Jackson, 2015). The portfolio items must be tailored towards achieving certain specified objectives. Portfolios are important because they can act as the foundation for personal reflection on the progress made to determine the skills acquired throughout the training.
Part 4: List the Strategies and Action Plan For Responding to the Problem/Policy
Assessment is an important part of the learning process. Different types or formats of assessment exist to enable teachers and instructors to gauge the level of comprehension of the students as well as the progress they have made in relation to the learning instructions. For adult learning, the educational programs are usually tailored to empower them with the relevant skills they need to improve their workplace performance. Therefore, the assessment provided the instructions as well as the learners an opportunity to determine their level of mastery of the subject matter (Hammond, & Jackson, 2015). Thus, assessment serves several purposes, including guiding, planning, and improving instructional practices in the learning environment, measuring and tracking the stud...