This paper reports on a standard-setting method designed for complex performance assessments with multiple performance categories. The method studied, the Analytical Judgment Method, involves panelists' making analytical classification decisions for each of the test's components individually. It also allows for discussion and reconsideration of…

A central task in evaluating a prototype education program is to study the variability of delivery and outcomes from site to site. The evaluation should also indicate what to expect and what to do when a Teacher Enhancement Program (TEP) program becomes fully operational. An approach to evaluating TEPs was developed and applied to a concrete case,…

To say that assessments must be authentic, dynamic, fluid, and formative is not to say that normative, standardized evaluations have no place in the overall assessment scheme. What is needed is a combination and balance of assessments. The tri-assessment model promotes using traditional assessments along with portfolio and performance assessments.…

This book examines the process of developing an authentic system of instruction and assessment to measure student performance based on tasks that are relevant and useful in real life. The process of making the transition from traditional to authentic assessment is presented in a systematic, step-by-step fashion. Chapters are: (1) "Initiating…

The various ways that standards and standards-based education are being addressed around the United States are described. The education community can trace the start of the modern standards movement to the publication of "A Nation at Risk" in 1983 (National Commission on Excellence). The first education summit in 1987 then became a…

This book explains a systematic approach to curriculum, assessment, instruction, and learning called the achievement cycle. The first chapter defines the term and its related concepts, provides the background knowledge for using the achievement cycle in the school system or classroom, and presents an overview of the rest of the book. The…

Designed to provide practical information for all elementary teachers, whether they are just getting started, getting comfortable, or fine-tuning their assessment program, this book examines manageable and practical ways to collect information about young learners. It presents the voices of many elementary teachers at various grade levels…

In an effort to improve student achievement in low-performing districts, 22 states have developed academic bankruptcy laws, allowing them to intervene in districts that consistently fail to satisfy state education performance standards. This policy brief presents an overview of these statutes. The text offers a comparative summary of state…

Despite the burgeoning use of authentic assessment, few studies have examined effects on students. In this study, 148 students in 15 grade 4-6 classrooms were taught over an 8-week period how to evaluate their work. Their self-reflections were later compared with those of 148 control group students. Treatment group students became more accurate in…

This annotated bibliography presents articles reflecting some of the current holdings on alternative and innovative assessment in the social studies at the Assessment Resource Library. There are two sections to the bibliography: a listing of the articles themselves in alphabetical order by primary author, and an index. Each document is described…

To function effectively as a learning environment, a simulation system must present learners with situations in which they use relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities. To function effectively as an assessment, such a system must additionally be able to evoke and interpret observable evidence about targeted knowledge in a manner that is…

In 1990, the state of Kentucky created a new school system through the Kentucky Educational Reform Act (KERA). While KERA mandates wide-ranging progressive reform, testing through the Kentucky Instructional Results Information System (KIRIS) makes sure teachers get the job done. Though all Kentucky teachers are involved in writing, those at the…

All teacher certification programs at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU) meet state standards for teacher education programs. Most admission and retention requirements are similar to those of other teacher preparation programs, though one unique component helps scrutinize teacher education students in the retention program: students must…

The number of performance-based assessments is increasing rapidly, but to date there is no established procedure for setting standards on these assessments. This paper describes several extensions to the Angoff procedure to accommodate the characteristics of a performance-based assessment and presents the results of research in applying this…

Pressed by the vise created by the "era of accountability" and evolving theory which emphasizes constructing meaning and problem solving, educators have become more articulate about defending the classroom impact of new theory. Assessment in the classroom is following contemporary descriptions of learning, thinking, and language use as…