Explains why performance tasks should be used for assessment in hands-on science programs. Lists guidelines to help teachers construct valid tasks for student or program evaluation. Illustrates the guidelines by discussing a chromatography task from the Second International Science Study test. (PR)

Since 1987, Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania) Public Schools' Propel project has been using student portfolios to integrate assessment with learning and is now piloting portfolio assessment for public accountability. Unlike Vermont's system, which asks for students' best work, Pittsburgh's assessment reflects what the community typically expects from its…

Performance-based assessment is more multidimensional, interdisciplinary, continuous, performance-based, and curriculum-related than traditional testing. The San Diego Unified School District is actively involved in developing the new California Assessment Program, participates in the California Assessment Collaborative, and is a partner in the…

Discusses the use of technology in education, the restrictions placed on student achievements through current policies, and describes efforts by the National Alliance for Restructuring Education to restructure schools, including the Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow project. Student performance, performance assessments, and new school organizations are…

Describes the bibliographic instruction program taught at S.U.N.Y. Stonybrook, which comprises four courses that utilize a self-paced workbook, workshops, and performance evaluation. A sample lesson is included. (17 notes) (LAE)

Four issue areas for research and practice based on the process model of experiential learning are understanding and honoring the diversity of individual learners; importance of social affiliation patterns; transfer of learning; and authentic assessment. (SK)

The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) is developing a certification process, rather than a test, to confer distinction on experienced teachers who meet demanding standards. The role of performance assessment in this voluntary certification is discussed, and the research goals of the NBPTS are described. (SLD)

Examines conceptions of the nature of organizational effectiveness and the characteristics of effective organizations. Reviews school effectiveness literature. Proposes that school effectiveness be assessed on the basis of performance expectations formulated by constituents and that effectiveness research adopt a configurational approach…

Studied methods for structuring a performance domain for a certification test in emergency nursing based on task frequency ratings from 659 emergency nurses or task similarity ratings from 21 experts. A 125-job analysis survey was used. Similarity judgment results are more easily interpreted and adequately modeled by multivariate analysis. (SLD)

Examines some of the policy implications for the proposed assessment systems to replace multiple-choice tests in education as part of educational reform movement. Notes that, like multiple-choice formats, the origins and assumptions of performance assessment methods have implications for the usefulness of the data that result. (Author/NB)

This paper on performance assessment of children with disabilities clarifies terminology, proposes a set of critical issues for discussion, outlines historical and current trends, examines reasons for current interest in performance assessment, and reviews problems and considerations in performance assessment. (JDD)

Just as testing generally is not the answer to the multifaceted problems facing contemporary American education, performance assessment is no panacea. Before embracing this new evaluation method, educators should assess the movement's claims, costs, and characteristics. At present, both goals and costs are uncertain. (30 references) (MLH)

A recent RAND study questions the reliability of judgments used in portfolio evaluation in Vermont Schools. Researchers at the Center for Research in Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing are developing guidelines to determine whether the new performance-based assessments are valid and reliable. Emerging CRESST criteria concerning testing…

Ongoing research finds that alternatives to formal tests carry hidden costs and require trade-offs. National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing (CRESST) is studying how performance assessments work so that they may be designed to help students reach their highest potential. This article raises priority questions,…

Describes how one teacher and 46 general chemistry students used portfolios as part of the evaluative process. Argues that any worthwhile assessment must address questions about the inevitable impact of testing on students and their learning. (PR)