Presents procedures based on Rasch measurement theory for construction of an assessment network, which is defined as a system of rate and task banks. Three general classes of data collection designs are presented to calibrate an assessment network and provide the opportunity for objective and fair measurements. (SLD)

Discusses values ascribed to performance assessment and recent criticisms of assessment and suggests model-based performance assessment for remedying and avoiding these criticisms. The paper explains the merits of a systematic approach to developing performance assessments and rubrics based on general models across ages and subject areas for…

Rather than challenging grades alone, educators should question the whole assessment enterprise. The three rationales for grading (sorting, motivation, and feedback) are problematic, since they stress a demand (obligation), as opposed to a support, model. Ideas for adopting supportive assessment and avoiding grading abuses are provided. (19…

Describes development of a rubric for assessing class discussion. Discusses procedures, student roles, and assessment in a "scored discussion." Notes that students find the process to be both demanding and informing. (RS)

Discusses various ways to strike a balance between total teacher control and total student control of the assessment process in a high school American literature course. Discusses research projects, advertising flyers, newspapers, the "transcendental change plan," and the thematic mobile. (RS)

Describes the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), George W. Bush's reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Discusses ways in which the NCLB affects private religious schools, as well as offering suggestions for the ways in which Catholic schools should be addressing the changes in the law. (NB)

Discusses the challenge of assessing collaborative work, such as literature circles. Suggests the best way to evaluate literature circles is a legitimate performance assessment created by the students. Concludes that the rubric-creating exercise itself is a review of good reading and discussion habits. (PM)

The dominant profile judgment method, designed for use with profiles of polytomous scores on exercises in a performance-based assessment, is presented as a standard-setting method. The approach guides standard-setting panelists in articulating their standard-setting policies and allows for complex policy statements. (SLD)

Barriers to large-scale portfolio assessment were studied by surveying 206 secondary teachers interested in adopting these forms of assessment. A rating scale model based on the Rasch model was used to analyze results. Suggestions are presented for facilitating the efforts of secondary school teachers. (SLD)

Outlines the history of vocational evaluation and assessment, career assessment, and transition assessment; discusses the relationship among these three areas; and provides recommendations in the area of transition assessment, including the need to start the assessment process at an earlier age and to emphasize performance in the community. (CR)

Case study of grade 8 at-risk students' perceptions about learning in a nonstandard classroom, a "technology lab" designed around three research-based approaches to the educational environment: cooperative group work, authentic tasks and assessments, and appropriate use of technology. Finds that students feel more motivated to learn, receive…

Answers questions about how a performance-based assessment of critical thinking skills would correlate with a multiple-choice measure of students' critical thinking skills. Determines whether students' critical thinking abilities would improve after completing a general education course focused on critical thinking and after completing a core…

In response to the limitations of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT), several states, including California and Connecticut, are moving away from exclusive use of standardized tests and toward more performance-based assessments. In Massachusetts, a committee is working to put SAT scores into context by finding other ways to judge and report school…

This instructional module presents and illustrates rules for designing performance assessments in a step-by-step strategy through: (1) reason for the assessment; (2) type of performance evaluated; (3) exercises to elicit performance; and (4) systematic rating procedures. Guidelines for maximizing reliability, validity, and economy are presented.…

A Holt, Michigan, high school's recent shift toward conceptual understanding and demonstrated performance inspired one math teacher to develop a panel performance-assessment process. For their midsemester and semester exams, students in algebra II and precalculus discuss before a panel of judges the solutions to complex problems. Panel assessment…