The authors developed, tested, and validated a set of student self-ratings, teacher ratings, and performance assessment instruments designed to measure generalizable reasoning skills of students enrolled in secondary vocational programs. They were found to be sufficiently reliable and valid indicators of functional learning strengths and…

In 1993 Columbia University's National Center for Restructuring Education collaborated with three educational reform organizations to encourage teacher dialogue about assessment reform via the Four Seasons Project. This article profiles three participating schools that use theory, ritual, textmaking, and networking to help teachers reconcile…

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics has proposed six assessment standards: (1) assessment should focus on the most important mathematics; (2) assessment should enhance mathematics learning; (3) assessment should promote equity; (4) assessment processes should be open to review; (5) assessment should yield valid inferences about…

The meanings of reliability and validity as they apply to standardized measures are used as a framework for applying the concepts of reliability and validity to authentic assessments. This article sees reliability as scorability and stability, whereas validity is seen as students' ability to use knowledge authentically in the field. (DB)

Presents authentic assessment laboratory activities in which students measure the amount of sugar in bubble gum and test the lasting power of soap bubbles. Includes scoring rubrics. (MKR)

A newly developed performance standard-setting procedure, termed iterative judgmental policy capturing (JPC), is applicable to assessments composed of distinct multidimensional exercises. The procedure is described, and results are reported from the application of JPC in a study involving a panel of 20 teachers and 6 performance exercises. (SLD)

Examines the relationship between the curriculum and the assessment practices of a group of 14 teachers to determine the degree that change efforts directed at teachers' curricular and instructional approaches have affected other areas of professional practice. Findings indicate that teachers still rely on traditional assessment methods, although…

Describes a performance assessment protocol that rates six goals: (1) methodology of research, (2) use of equipment, (3) accuracy in measurement, (4) application of concepts and formulas, (5) use of mathematics, and (6) completeness and clarity. Provides an example performance task evaluation sheet. (MVL)

An example application of portfolio assessment was developed and the model and estimates of reliability derived from the literature were then used to estimate the characteristics of an operational large-scale portfolio assessment program. Costs were estimated to put results in a realistic context. (SLD)

Several extensions to the Angoff method of standard setting are described that can accommodate characteristics of performance-based assessment. A study involving 12 panelists supported the effectiveness of the new approach but suggested that panelists preferred an approach that was at least partially conjunctive. (SLD)

The articles of this special issue propose two methods of deriving an initial standard and one method for determining the extent to which the standard should include compensation. Much work remains to be done on further development of the methods and the larger issues of policy regarding performance assessment. (SLD)

The Primary Language Record gathers information from students, teachers, and families to develop a comprehensive picture of student growth. It can support teacher inquiry and collegiality, enhance support of learning and diversity, strengthen home-school relationships, and make teachers and schools more accountable. (SK)

Summarizes the status of assessment reform, based on visits to 14 schools. Documents key characteristics of various performance assessments (portfolios, on-demand tasks, projects, exhibitions, and teachers' structured observations); determines which factors influence their development, implementation, and effectiveness; and analyzes interactions…

The Georgia School Counselor Evaluation Program was developed in response to a legislative requirement to provide annual performance evaluations for all school counselors. The evaluation program is composed of two instruments and a set of procedures to ensure equitable evaluation for all counselors. (SLD)

The use of a portfolio as a source of information about a student's attitudes, level of development, and growth over time can be a collaborative effort between the child and teacher and can increase parents' awareness of their child's abilities and needs. Selecting materials for the portfolio and different ways to use the portfolio are discussed.…