After nearly two decades of federal and state accountability requirements relying on conventional standardized assessments, Virginia and several other states are moving to create more balanced approaches to statewide assessment systems that include the use of performance assessments. But Palm (2008) states, "Performance assessment can mean…

In addition to the potential that computer-based testing (CBT) offers, empirical evidence has found that identical computerized and paper-and-pencil tests have not produced equivalent test-taker performance. Referred to as the "mode effect," previous literature has identified many factors that may be responsible for such differential performance.…

This review of the literature addresses the issue of assessing students with disabilities who are culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD). An examination of data showing disproportionate representation of students with disabilities who are CLD establishes a case for using alternative forms of assessment. Problems with some forms of traditional…

Examination of the role of psychometrics in the development of multiple-choice tests and performance-based assessments and consideration of validity and reliability issues leads to this conclusion: Choice of assessments for instruction or large-scale accountability depends on which is more appropriate for the particular purposes. Taxonomic…

This paper introduces a theoretical treatment of the concept of intelligence that provides for intellectual diversity and contrasts this view with the more traditional notion of intelligence. Next, the paper draws from this theory several implications for education, paying particular attention to the question of assessment. It is shown why this…

Terms such as "authentic,""performance-based," and "portfolio" are being used to label assessment approaches that purport to examine student performance as it relates to curricular goals and instructional techniques. This research digest reviews six articles on these assessment approaches, highlighting purposes,…

Defines alternate assessments, describes methods used to collect data, and describes domains in which data should be collected. The results of a focus group study in which teachers delineated ways in which data might be collected using each of the methods in each of the domains is reported. (Author/CR)

One of a series of educational packages designed for implementation either in a workshop atmosphere or through individual study, this Hot Topic guide presents a variety of materials designed to assist educators in designing and implementing classroom projects and activities centering on the topic of standardized and alternative assessment. The Hot…

This discussion of the use of expert performance as the basis for inferring assessment scoring criteria in evaluating student performance considers characteristics of experts and difficulties in use of adult expertise to evaluate student performance. The use of gifted students' performances as benchmarks is suggested as possibly providing…

Discusses the National Commission on Testing and Public Policy's critique of current standardized testing on grounds of its inequities and its effects on curriculum. Finds that one kind of alternative assessment that can realign assessment with curriculum is authentic assessment. Focuses on performance assessment. Connects authentic and…

Since the late 1960s, curriculum and instruction have increasingly become "test driven." Research documents the negative effects of standardized testing on instruction, students, and teachers. At their best, tests reflect students' ability to take tests. Research supports the need for change in testing policies. Massive testing must be eliminated,…

Most states have expanded their statewide testing programs to include alternative educational assessments, and two (Kentucky and Maine) have completely abandoned the multiple-choice format. However, over half of states designing alternative assessments are encountering major difficulties related to the high cost of performance-based assessments,…

Reviews current trends away from multiple-choice testing to alternative forms of student evaluation. Discusses elements contributing to these trends: emphases on critical-thinking skills and active learning, research supporting a constructivist view of learning, efforts to develop academic standards and companion performance-based assessments, and…

This paper synthesizes information derived from five sources regarding issues in testing as they related to the American 2000; an education strategy and the national education goals. The focus is on proposed national tests. The issue of national testing extends far beyond testing itself because it touches on the structure of the U.S. educational…

This report summarizes a variety of major collaborations in which the Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing (CRESST) of the University of California at Los Angeles participated in Fiscal Year 1992. Most of the collaborations are part of the CRESST's Program One, "Building the Infrastructure for Improved…