Terms such as "authentic,""performance-based," and "portfolio" are being used to label assessment approaches that purport to examine student performance as it relates to curricular goals and instructional techniques. This research digest reviews six articles on these assessment approaches, highlighting purposes,…

Discusses two ways candidates may earn the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential: the CDA Professional Preparation Program (CDA P3), a comprehensive, one-year, postsecondary training program; and Direct Assessment, the route most often followed by CDA applicants, which evaluates the overall competence of candidates based on applicants'…

Criteria to guide classroom assessment practice are determine the extent to which assessment practices are based on tasks and activities that are representative of instructional intention and translate into specific information collection, interpretation, evaluation, and reporting procedures; address the accuracy of the assessment; and consider…

A diagnostic assessment system--based on performance specifications of the American Association of School Administrators' National Executive Development Center concerning instructional leadership for superintendents and assistants--was field tested with over 250 executives and evaluated using 89 executives. Data support continued use of the 42…

A triad of conceptual, human relations, and technical domains is proposed as a basis for effective performance evaluation systems in education. Systems incorporating the relevant issues in this triad address a fundamental rule of performance evaluation: if it is worth doing, it is worth doing well. (SLD)

Presents logistic discriminant analysis as a means of detecting differential item functioning (DIF) in items that are polytomously scored. Provides examples of DIF detection using a 27-item mathematics test with 1,977 examinees. The proposed method is simpler and more practical than polytomous extensions of the logistic regression DIF procedure.…

This article offers an overview of educational reform and outlines its implications for gifted African-American students. The lack of attention to equity issues in reform reports is documented and prerequisites for success in educational reform are cited, such as performance-based assessment and site-based management. (JDD)

Describes a composition teacher's efforts to diagnose her vocational college students' literacy skills by using a more authentic performance assessment that integrates reading and writing. (SR)

After the Kentucky Supreme Court declared Kentucky's educational system unconstitutional, the state launched a unique, comprehensive restructuring effort. Top-down state education department reforms include development of world-class curriculum standards, a statewide authentic assessment system, and a school accountability system linking sanctions…

An alternative vision of assessment for technology teacher education views assessment as an essential activity conducted by teacher educators to improve teaching and learning rather than to support accreditation and teacher licensure decision making. (Author)

A method is proposed to combine a relative approach and an absolute approach to performance appraisal by combining graphic rating and ranking. Two studies involving 196 college undergraduates who rated their instructors illustrate the promise offered by the proposed Qualitative Ranking Scale. (SLD)

To support educational reforms, new assessments must stress the performance of complex, holistic tasks, not snippets of performance in segments, elements, or chunks of complex tasks. Sidebars present helpful guidelines for developing staff and creating an assessment. Assessments can assume numerous shapes, including budgeting activities,…

Authentic and direct assessment of performance and products are examined in light of contrasting functions and purposes with implications for validation, especially those of specialized validity criteria for performance assessment. The roles of positive and negative consequences of validation are underscored, along with the need for evidence of…

A new definition of quality education based on performance and achievement is surfacing in Des Moines (Iowa). School restructuring is focusing stakeholder attention on systemic changes that mean that the quality of education will be judged on how students have been prepared for life. Restructuring efforts are outlined. (SLD)

Performance assessment could be the key to restructuring schools for higher standards and improved accountability, and at the very least should add an expanded dimension to educational assessment. Defines performance assessment, reviews some of the research on this topic, and addresses some of the issues regarding performance assessment of concern…