Rigor and Assessment in the Classroom: Strategies and Tools

by Barbara R. Blackburn

Overview

Learn how to assess students in a way that truly impacts learning. In Rigor and Assessment in the Classroom, bestselling author Barbara R. Blackburn provides a broad range of practical strategies for increasing the rigor and usefulness of your formative and summative assessments.

You’ll discover how to create an environment where students are expected to learn at high levels; evaluate student learning in a way that ensures growth; strengthen the validity and reliability of your assessments; plan assessments in conjunction with planning the instruction; differentiate assessments to increase the rigor for all students; enhance the effectiveness of your grading system and feedback; and design clear, reader-friendly rubrics and scoring guides.

Each chapter includes ready-to-use tools, examples across the subject areas, and "Think About It" questions to help you reflect on what you’ve read. This updated second edition features new sections on questioning and grading, updated assessment samples, and technology resources. There is also a new chapter of Common Concerns, which addresses working with students with special needs, AI, managing assessment in the classroom, and working with parents and families. 

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032857541
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	06/30/2025
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	220
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Dr. Barbara R. Blackburn, a Top 30 Global Guru in Education, is the bestselling author of over 30 books and is a sought-after national and international consultant. She was an award-winning professor at Winthrop University and has taught early childhood, elementary, middle, and high school students.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1. Best Practices in Rigor and Assessment 2. Planning for Rigorous Assessments 3. Linking Instruction and Assessment to Improve Rigor 4. Formative Assessment for Rigor 5. Rigorous Summative Assessments 6. Performance-Based Assessments to Enhance Rigor 7. Differentiated Assessments to Increase Rigor for All Students 8. The Critical Role of Feedback in the Rigorous Classroom 9. Grading in a Rigorous Classroom 10. Common Concerns 11. Working Together to Improve Assessment in Rigorous Classrooms Bibliography