The 2004 NATD Symposium:

The Achievement Gap:  Test Bias or School Structures

Since Brown v. Board of Education was handed down fifty years ago, much attention has been centered on reducing the achievement gap.  Much of the discussion has focused on what portion of the gap is due to bias in our measuring instruments and how much is due to school structures.  This session will explore this topic for a variety of perspectives. 

Organizer

Thel Kocher, Blue Valley Schools

Moderator

Judy Pfannenstiel, Research and Training Associates, Inc.

Presenters

Steve Schellenberg, Saint Paul Public Schools

The Historical Context

Stephen G. Sireci, University of Massachusetts Amherst

The Role of Sensitivity Review and Differential Item

Functioning Analyses in Reducing the Achievement Gap

Margaret Jorgensen, Harcourt Assessment, Inc.

A Test Publisher Perspective

Jennifer McCreadie, Indianapolis Public Schools

A District Perspective

Discussant

Glynn D. Ligon, ESP Solutions Group

Time and Location:  Wednesday, 12:25-1:55, Room 3, Upper Level of the Convention Center.