Beyond the Big Test: Noncognitive Assessment in Higher Education

by William E. Sedlacek

William E. Sedlacek--one of the nation's leading authorities on the topic of noncognitive assessment--challenges the use of the SAT and other standardized tests as the sole assessment tool for college and university admissions. In Beyond the Big Test , Sedlacek presents a noncognitive assessment method that can be used in concert with the standardized tests. This assessment measures what students know by evaluating what they can do and how they deal with a wide range of problems in different contexts. Beyond the Big Test is filled with examples of assessment tools and illustrative case studies that clearly show how educators have used this innovative method

560 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Stuart Macalpine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had hoped for a big insight into non-cognitive assessment.. and there is some interesting material here, but I think the book would be more useful if you were closer to the target audience of college admissions officers. Basically strong self image, the ability to cope with discrimination, having strong adult community relations etc. are all verifiable valid and reliable indicators of success at college. That is pretty much it... The importance of students having a strong adult mentor was an interesting take-away for me, and the fact that evidence consistently shows this makes a measurable difference to outcomes for students was thought provoking reminder of the role mentors can have in young adults' lives.

[Chechoui · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audience is for college faculty, staff or administration on how to improve outcomes for minority students using noncognitive assessment. Interesting are the variables that correlate with positive outcomes. What's less exciting about this book is that the author self-references his own work constantly and other work cited is mostly in the 1990s. There were a few studies from 200-2002 mentioned, but I find it hard to believe that no research has been conducted in this area in the past 10 years so I was led to believe that it is an outdated lit review. Still a great read however if you are working at a college and in a position to implement research that will improve the outcomes for underrepresented populations.