Release

Curriculum Expert Speaks at UAlbany on Literacy Assessment in Schools

Contact: Catherine Herman (518) 437-4980

ALBANY, N.Y. (October 24, 2005) -- The University at Albany School of Education and Department of Reading will host University of Otago, New Zealand professor Terry Crooks on Wednesday, October 26, 4-6 p.m. at the Alumni House on the uptown campus. Crooks will speak on how literacy is assessed through his innovative National Education Monitoring Project (NEMP), of which he is director and primary developer.

The National Education Monitoring Project (NEMP) is New Zealand's equivalent of the U.S.' National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), but NEMP's performance based system addresses the entire spectrum of educational outcomes from science and math to health and physical education.

NEMP monitors educational achievement across time and across these domains at the national level—principles American approaches to assessment often overlook. Crooks has published widely on assessment, their validity ad impact on students, and how assessment can impact student learning.

The event is free and open to the public and refreshments will be served at 3:30 p.m. before the talk. For more information see www.albany.edu/education/ or call the UAlbany Reading Department at (518) 442-5594.