Alternative assessment ideas are presented in an effort to help teachers understand how and why alternative assessment is necessary. Suggestions for preservice teachers in mathematics that meet the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Assessment Standards are included. Portfolios and reflection rubrics are presented as possible…

This paper asks whether the current form of assessment is appropriate in measuring the growth of American students in the subject of reading. First, the paper examines the argument for standardized testing of skills as an appropriate form of assessment. It then points out that the people in support of this form of testing argue that these tests…

A collaborative project in liberal arts chemistry, involving faculty in chemistry and science education, is described. The project includes various components: an introductory test (DAST) to examine students' perceptions of scientists, a group library research exercise, oral and written presentation of the results of the library research, a…

The North Carolina Alternate Assessment Portfolio (NCAAP) is a year-long, performance-based assessment process that involves a representative and deliberate collection of student work/information that allows the user(s) to make judgments about what a student knows and is able to do. This includes the progress that has been made in those goals…

The passage of the No Child Left Behind Act and subsequent regulations have challenged state education agencies (SEAs) in many ways and ensuring the appropriate inclusion of students with disabilities has been a unique challenge. The recent publication of regulations on alternate assessments with alternate achievement standards (34 CFR Part 200)…

Reports on a study in an introductory physics course in which 16 students were assessed using a portfolio-style procedure and 19 were assessed using traditional, objective examinations. Results suggest that portfolio-style assessment supports student achievement at least at the same level as traditional assessment procedures. It also appears to…

Claims that asking students to evaluate their own reading and writing encourages more authentic assessment. Discusses guiding reflection in writing and reading workshops, and teacher responsibility for grading. Presents student comments that show students are able to self-evaluate and improve their efforts to justify higher ratings. (RS)

Outlines critical weaknesses of many assessment procedures. Argues that, to be meaningful, the act of assessment must in some way enhance the learning process. Discusses establishing purpose for assessment and selecting criteria. Outlines alternative assessment techniques. (SR)

Explains how e-portfolios were developed using the resources available at an elementary school. Concludes that e-portfolios help students get motivated, take educational risks, and learn topics in greater depth. (SOE)

Details the use of weekly reports, a structured journal form of formative assessment that allows instructors to receive information from students and alter their instruction based on student needs. (Contains 18 references.) (DDR)

Discusses the need for good reading assessment that is authentic and trustworthy with clearly established procedures for gathering information. (MG)

Examines the social framework and influence of public assessment within school systems and identifies three directions for assessment reform: (1) increasing authenticity and realism of assessment tasks; (2) increasing interpretive quality of assessment and information; and (3) increasing integration of teaching, learning, and assessment processes.…

Discusses openness involving assessment, including sharing information, involving professionals, examining and revising criteria, benefits of openness, and sharing responsibility for good mathematics work. (MKR)

Presents two physics poems in the sonnet style, Electron Love and The Barn, that were part of a student's personal evaluation instrument. (JRH)

Suggests using a structured feedback form to facilitate communication between teacher and students. The form has columns for assignments/tests, scores, ways to improve, strengths, and teacher's comments, plus a response column for the student's comments. (MKR)