Over the past few decades, educators in general, and language teachers in specific, were more inclined towards using testing techniques that resembled real-life language performance. Unlike traditional paper-and-pencil language tests that required test-takers to attempt tests that were based on artificial and contrived language content,…

Suggests that both portfolio and performance-based assessment can be implemented in ways that retain vestiges of standardized testing. Compares aspects of standardized testing to aspects of portfolio and performance-based evaluation. Discusses responsibility to those assessed. (RS)

Advocates the family portfolio as a more authentic assessment tool for evaluation in family literacy programs than standardized testing. Discusses the purpose and content of the portfolio, portfolio conferences, portfolio analysis, and what happens to the portfolio at the end of the program. (SR)

The use of portfolios and rubrics in assessment developed in part as a reaction to limitations of standardized tests for student evaluation. Portfolios relate directly to what students are learning, but there are many problems in evaluating their contents. These center on: (1) time involved in scoring; (2) lack of validity statistics; (3) relative…

Education's "new paradigm" emphasizes the meaning behind learning. It necessitates authentic assessment--examining students' basic skills, control of information, higher level understanding, personal characteristics, and habits of mind. (SK)

Operating within a milieu of social, political, and economic change, educators are under increasing pressure to provide information about their instructional efforts. As instructors are called upon to do different types of teaching and to conduct their teaching differently, evaluation procedures must also address these changes. Self-appraisal…

There are many ways guidance counselors can help teachers achieve more optimal reading instruction. Counselors first may have to ascertain the kinds of problems faced by a student in learning to read. Assessing a student's ability to use picture clues to decipher words may be necessary with primary grade students. Knowledge about phonics, using…

Uses a description of large-scale collaborative portfolio assessment in the secondary school system in England as a means of seeing the American system and the recent reform efforts in comparative perspective. (RS)

Argues that the assessment of theater abilities should come from careful thought about the heart of theatre work. Discusses online assessment, portfolio culture, and the company model. Argues that students should be welcomed into discussions and provided with problem-solving and decision-making skills. (SR)

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…

The assessment of student achievement in mathematics is discussed. Different approaches should be used to ascertain student achievement of objectives in the mathematics curriculum. Some methods are subjective, such as rating scales, and these can be very useful. Among more objective approaches is the use of standardized tests. There is a number of…

Classroom-based assessment is the collection and evaluation of evidence of student learning, focusing on indicators of meaningful and valuable student progress. This type of assessment includes alternative forms of testing, such as performance tasks, which allow students to communicate or display mastery in different forms. According to Herman,…

This paper focuses on how best to evaluate student achievement in science. Many issues such as issues of test construction, validity, and reliability, and how to measure hands-on achievement must be considered. Qualitative evaluations are harder to explain, but can yield valuable information. The use of portfolios is an example of a technique that…

Mandating portfolios on a systemwide or statewide basis may destroy one of their greatest assets: allowing students to reflect on their learning and feel a sense of hope and control. Once standards are defined by an outside authority, teacher-student collaboration is minimized and the importance of students' own goals and learning assessment…

The purpose and evolution of educational assessment are considered. Alternatives to standardized assessment include performance assessment, authentic assessment, and portfolio assessment. Issues concerning outcomes of the assessment revolution include appropriate standards, associated changes in curricula and grading, and questions regarding…