Valuing Learning and Education | Announcing the New WestEd.org | Exploring AI and Assessment
It's a new year, and we're looking forward to continuing our work together to drive innovation forward using data and evidence, translate research into practice, and form strong partnerships to achieve our shared goals across all levels of the education system.
In this edition of WestEd 360°, read about the following topics:
CEO Corner: Valuing Learning and Education?
My determination to begin this year with hope and optimism was tested as the fires in Los Angeles rapidly spread, affecting families, colleagues, and places of learning. As I reached out to friends and colleagues impacted, the toll of trauma and stress was clear. Many shared how school was disrupted, with children and students displaced from fire-damaged classrooms. The fires provide yet another stark reminder of the essential role that learning has in local communities to advance possibilities and opportunities.? ??
As we move into 2025, a year where the future direction of education feels uncertain, I’m grounded by the fact that a robust education is foundational to the success and health of individuals, communities, and our society. I’m comforted to be a part of WestEd where our unwavering commitment is to create the conditions for thriving learners and empowered communities. This is at the heart of our agency’s 2025 strategic vision to promote high-quality learning opportunities for all.?
It is clear to me, from my own experience as a lifelong learner and from the work we do at WestEd, that there is no faster, more effective way to help a child grow from infancy to a thriving adult than through education. In the early years, children develop essential skills—literacy, numeracy, and social understanding—which set the stage for academic success and healthy development. By third grade, reading proficiency becomes a key indicator of future achievement. However, recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) data shows that while two-thirds of fourth graders meet basic standards, only half are truly proficient.??
These data clearly indicate we have work to do to improve educators’ and leaders’ ability to support students in building their literacy skills. While these results reveal the challenges ahead of us, the good news is the work is already underway at WestEd through programs like Reading Apprenticeship, NextGenScience, and other initiatives.??
WestEd relies on evidence to guide our work. We know that it is in our collective interest to ensure data from sources like the Nation’s Report Card remain reliable and accurate. We support that through projects like leading the updating of NAEP Assessment Frameworks in Mathematics, Reading, and Science, so NAEP assessments will continue to be valid measures of what students know and are able to do in core subject areas. Through our attention to innovation and research on what works in education, and studying the precise nature of persistent challenges, we are able to evaluate programs and policies in ways that are context-specific and targeted.??
The future of education depends on our efforts, now more than ever, and I want to leave you with an invitation: amid all the questions, let’s spend a moment appreciating the importance of public education to unlock opportunity and remain focused on transforming and optimizing systems so all learners have what they need to thrive.?
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Discover the New WestEd.org?
We are excited to announce the new WestEd.org! Our revamped site helps you quickly locate the latest research and resources, as well as tailored services and support. We invite you to explore our new website and learn about WestEd's commitment to supporting your thriving learners and empowered communities.?
An AI-Powered Assessment System to Drive Science Learning??
Recent advances in technology-enhanced assessments, including automated scoring and AI, can help teachers interpret and use assessment information and save time reviewing performance data.??
A multi-institutional project aims to help middle school science teachers seamlessly integrate technology-enhanced assessments, including AI, into lessons. The integration enables timely instructional adjustments to enhance student learning.??
领英推荐
Spotlight on Five New Resources from WestEd??
Upcoming Conferences, Events, and Learning Opportunities?
Conferences
2025 California STEAM Symposium, February 7–8: Attendees, check out the interactive presentations led by WestEd’s Early Childhood Development, Learning, and Systems team and add them your conference schedule!??
National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE) Conference, February 19–22: Join leading experts from Quality Teaching for English Learners and the National R&D Center for Secondary English Learners! View our presentation schedule.?
2025 National ESEA Conference, February 19–21: WestEd experts will present on a wide variety of topics related to this year’s conference theme, "Focus on Improvement." See the full schedule and connect with us in person at Booth #312 and #314. ?
American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education 2025 Annual Meeting, February 21–23: WestEd will be hosting Evaluation & Fiscal Sustainability office hours! Visit our Booth #311 in the Exhibit Hall to meet and speak with our team!?
Virtual Events
Join WestEd’s Priya Kannan for a panel discussion on Measurement Careers in Applied Research hosted by Women in Measurement on January 29 at 11:30 a.m. PT. Register.?
Let’s Talk AI: Ethics, Data, and Policy with Baron Rodriguez CIPP-E, PMP, MBA , DISC @WestEd Executive Director, and assessment expert Dr. Sarah Quesen . Register for this virtual event in celebration of Data Privacy Week on January 29 at 10am PT.??
Professional Learning
Save the date for the 2025 Quality Teaching for English Learners (QTEL) Summer Institutes taking place in Oahu, HI and Santa Cruz, CA. Learn more and register early!
Sign up for the 2025 Finance Training for State and Local Education Agencies designed to help you navigate regulatory dynamics shaping the current federal education funding landscape.??
The Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Network (IECMHC) will host the Community of Support Series this February! Find out about this opportunity for #ECE providers on January 27 and January 28.??
Join WestEd virtually for comprehensive, free teacher trainings on the Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP), tailored for teachers, early childhood professionals, and community service providers. Join us!?
Participate in the Education Innovation and Research Expository Reading and Writing Curriculum Study and gain free access to a curriculum that improves students’ academic achievement in English language arts (ELA). Sign up by January 31!?
Calling all math and science teachers in Washington state! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro to generative AI, sign up to share your insights and shape the future of generative AI tools in a study being conducted by WestEd and the 美国华盛顿大学 . Learn more.??
K–5 teachers in California, help researchers evaluate the Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) curriculum to determine its impact on student literacy outcomes. Learn about participation benefits and sign up.???
The Program for Infant Toddler Care Seminars are running from January–May 2025!
That’s a wrap for our first newsletter of 2025! Stay tuned for WestEd news and events, resources, and professional learning supports and technical assistance.??
We believe in the power of evidence-based practices, much like WestEd’s approach to education. Data is key not only in guiding decisions but also in reshaping the future of recruitment and educational opportunities. The importance of strong, research-driven strategies in both education and recruitment resonates deeply with us. We're committed to helping schools optimize their hiring processes and empower educators to thrive. It’s exciting to see such dedication to improving learning environments for all!
WestEd continues to lead the way on data and research driven educational outcomes!
#Science #ProjectManger #Project Coordinator #ScrumMaster
2 周WestEd Great to see how WestEd is driving innovation in education, especially through the integration of AI and technology-enhanced assessments. Using data and evidence to inform practices and improve learning outcomes is truly inspiring. I’m excited about the focus on science learning and the partnerships with universities to support middle school educators. I’m eager to contribute my own experience in curriculum development and data-driven instruction to hopefully support WestEd’s mission and help create thriving learners. Looking forward to seeing all the great work ahead in 2025!
Director of Postsecondary Projects at WestEd
1 个月??