Cindy Riney, teacher in the Montgomery Independent School District north of Houston, discusses how test questions are reviewed, refined, or rejected in Texas — and teachers' role in the process.

Quality assessments play a vital role in helping parents understand their children’s academic progress. Bibb Hubbard and Cindi Williams of Learning Heroes discuss questions parents should be asking and explore the importance of testing.

Assessments can help parents and teachers grasp the academic needs of their students — particularly students of color. Chris Stewart, CEO of brightbeam and a dedicated parent activist, shares how the pandemic will widen achievement gaps and how testing can help.

Sheryl Lazarus, director of the National Center for Educational Outcomes at the University of Minnesota, discusses how students with disabilities and English learners need appropriate accommodations for standardized testing.

Mike Miles, founder and CEO of Third Future Schools, shares details on why testing is essential to understanding student progress as well a key tool in preparing the 2030 workforce.

Take a look at a guide of terms to help you navigate the world of assessments and better prepare you to ask your child’s teacher the right questions.