Description:

This service equips district teams with the frameworks, tools, and expertise to ensure assessments are aligned to state standards and cognitively rigorous. Through collaborative analysis and targeted feedback, CTLG fosters capacity-building for sustainable, in-house assessment evaluation.

Subject Area: General, Assessment

Delivery Format: In-Person, Virtual, Hybrid, Implementation Support, Coaching Support

Target Audience: Pre-Service Teachers, Classroom Teachers, Instructional Coaches, School Administrators, District Administrators

Duration: Workshop (60-90 minutes), Half-Day (3 hours), Full-Day (6 hours), Multi-Day, Yearlong Coaching Series

Facilitators:

Grade Level: Elementary, Middle, High, Higher Education

Learning Intentions:

• Understand the distinction between complexity and difficulty
• Apply cognitive rigor frameworks to evaluate assessments
• Identify and revise misaligned or low-demand test items
• Build sustainable systems for internal assessment review

Success Criteria:

• Accurately rate cognitive complexity using shared frameworks
• Demonstrate alignment between items and standards
• Provide actionable feedback to improve assessment quality
• Facilitate internal review processes independently

Key Topics Covered:

• Cognitive rigor and complexity
• Assessment alignment to state standards
• Item difficulty versus cognitive demand
• Equity in assessment practices
• Capacity building for sustainable evaluation

Expected Impact:

Empowers schools to strengthen instructional alignment and equip teachers with the skills to design and analyze assessments that reflect deeper learning. This service builds sustainable structures for professional collaboration, leading to more effective use of assessment data and elevated classroom practice.

Testimonials:

“CTLG’s process made our assessment reviews not just manageable but transformational. Our coaches are now confidently leading item analyses with teams across the district.” ~ Director of Curriculum, Virginia

“The feedback we received changed how we design questions. More than that, we now understand what rigor looks like, and how to build it into every unit.” ~ Middle School Math Lead, Virginia