In a rapidly changing global environment, Initial Teacher Educators (ITE) have a responsibility to role-model contemporary teaching approaches, which develop graduates who think creatively and flexibly in educational workplaces. An important aspect of this work is supporting pre-service teachers (PSTs) to understand how to design assessments which…

The requirement for all Initial Teacher Education programs in Australia to include a capstone teacher performance assessment (TPA) is relatively new. However, TPAs are common in other countries, particularly the United States. In this article, we report on a review of the literature instigated by the authors' involvement in the development of an…

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…

This paper aims to develop, through a literature analysis, a portrait of the functioning and practice of teacher thinking at government and university levels. Teacher thinking is defined as habits and strategies or the habit of thinking used to collect information, analyze, understand institution, reflect, solve problems, inform decisions,…

Describes the Integrated Proficiency-Criterion framework, which uses Benner's stages of proficiency model (novice to expert) and program accreditation criteria for a process of portfolio development and assessment in nursing education. (SK)

Discusses answers to teachers' questions about portfolio assessment, including: definition of portfolios and portfolio assessment, its apparent advantages and weaknesses, data to be included in portfolios, how portfolios are assessed, whether they are valid and reliable, how portfolio assessment is being used, how it fits with performance…

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…

This paper focuses on the use of portfolio assessment in the evaluation of limited-English-proficient (LEP) students. Specific sections address the following: recent developments in performance assessment; observations regarding LEP students and assessment; student portfolios (what they are and how they can be used); what a portfolio should…

This paper traces the origins of the portfolio movement, examines the treatment of portfolios in texts and other writings on classroom assessment, and poses several questions about the use of portfolios in classrooms. Interest in portfolios as assessment devices first emerged in the literature in the field of composition and writing, but interest…

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,…

Educational research has provided evidence about the effectiveness of small classes. Overall, research suggests that teachers in small classes find more time for individualized instruction, and that they find more opportunities for enrichment and curriculum changes. Most of the changes seem to have occurred because easing the constraints of a…

Contemporary assessment practices in science education have undergone significant changes in recent decades. The basis for these changes and the resulting new assessment practices are the subject of this two-part paper. Part 1 considers the basis of assessment that, more than 25 years ago, was driven by the assumptions of decomposability and…

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…

Assessment of student progress is a challenge for educators who use developmentally appropriate practices such as multiage grouping. Interest in alternative types of assessment has become widespread. These performance-based, or authentic, assessments are explored in this document, which presents assessment strategies that work effectively with…

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