From Usable to Useful Assessment Knowledge and Evaluation

Resumen

96

In this article contrasts are made between usable and useful
knowledge. Usable knowledge represents knowledge that
someone finds pertinent. Useful knowledge has a function and
can lead to specific action. The applications to educational
assessment and evaluation are clear in that much assessment
knowledge is developed at a level that is nominally usable, but
provides no real guidance in the improvement of learning.
Knowledge management through the measurement of social and
organizational capital is suggested as a strategy to augment
accountability policies based exclusively on test scores. This
approach would work as a way to set targets and monitor the
development of schools as an institution, responsible for
performance by adults and students that extend beyond
measured performance.

Palabras clave

Knowledge management, Assessment, Social capital, Accountability