This guide contains practical steps for integrating portfolios into any K-12 classroom and tips for effective classroom management of portfolios. It also contains actual examples of portfolios in action in a variety of subject areas. The chapters are: (1) "Starting Out: Designing Your Portfolio" (James Barton and Angelo Collins); (2) "Preparing…

The taxonomy outlined in this paper provides a framework for the classification of performance objectives. The taxonomy has three levels: (1) demonstration of cognitive mastery; (2) demonstration of a task in isolation; and (3) demonstration of a task in context. As one moves up the taxonomy, the student's performance requires a longer period of…

Students individually or in committees with teacher guidance need to develop a portfolio to indicate the quality of school work that has been accomplished. Student portfolios are a purposeful collection of work that illustrates the students' efforts, progress, and achievement in given areas. Portfolios provide ongoing and authentic records of…

Portfolio assessment is a rather recent concept in the evaluation of student achievement even though the separate items in a portfolio have been used for decades. Students are involved in selecting what goes into the portfolio, and which emphasizes the achievement of objectives from within the classroom. In mathematics education, the portfolio is…

A direct assessment analyzes the task to be learned in such a way that the steps required to learn the skills are specified and the child's level within the task is determined. This assessment takes into consideration that the child's immediate environment can make a difference in performance. (Author/SBH)

Since the Ann Arbor (Michigan) Schools created its K-2 assessment process and matching report form, both students and teachers have shown improved performance. Teacher's evaluations of student progress are tied to established outcomes and grouped according to "not yet,""developing,""achieving," and…

Discusses assessment strategies in higher education. Emphasizes the ability of assessments to stimulate thinking and help students construct meaning of the scientific principles they have been taught. Highlights the role of assessment in providing feedback that can be used to improve instruction and enhance student learning. (JRH)

Discusses how a chemistry curriculum can be designed using traditional classroom activities and assessments along with alternative and authentic approaches. Presents a variety of assessment and learning experiences for a first-year course in chemistry. (JRH)

Explains that evaluating student work in the arts must be balanced between student engagement in creation and quality of the finished product or performance, noting that art teachers must be ready with creative and effective means of evaluation. The paper defines performance assessment, examines the many forms of assessment used in art education,…

Argues that assessment practices need to change in mathematics classrooms and describes an assessment system that focuses on broad learning outcomes, uses tasks that are aligned with instructional practices, actively involves students, and informs teachers' instructional and curricular decisions. The standards for assessment practices adopted by…

Discusses the identification of relevant and accurately defined competencies for job descriptions and suggests a performance-based approach. Builds a job model for a generic manager position; attaches skills, knowledge, and activities to the model; and selects competencies based on behavior plus attributes, standards, work support, and human…

Assessment is an essential, ongoing instructional component that guides the learning process. Ongoing assessment uses exhibitions, student explanations of concepts, the writing of a poem or song, or other thought-demanding performances to evaluate and reflect on students' work. This article uses a high school literature and justice unit to…

Addresses the challenge of finding or creating alternatives to tests and traditional grading systems. Reflects on and describes the experience of creating an assessment tool and cautions against choosing alternatives that merely camouflage the grades. Encourages educators to find authentic alternatives to describe children's growth. (BAC)

Proposes authentic assessment and pragmatic instruction as two strategies for closing the literacy gap for African Americans. (PRA)

Discusses recommendations of the Kentucky Department of Education's Task Force of High School Restructuring, and notes how some of its recommendations recall W. H. Kilpatrick's "project method" from the early 20th century. (SR)